'Rapid rise' in indecent images shared by children

ITV News can reveal there's been a ''rapid rise'' in the number of youngsters involved in crimes linked to indecent images.

New figures from Jersey Police show nearly half of those reported for possessing explicit images are under 18.

The force says the key to tackling the issue is educating youngsters about the dangers of posting naked pictures online, or sharing indecent images with other people.

The figures obtained by ITV News via a Freedom of Information request show that 21 of 45 cases relating to the possession of indecent images, in the last three years, have involved people under the age of 18.

23% of all sexual offences were carried out by under 18's - equating to 109 out of 475.

Jersey Laws automatically protect all children under 16 - meaning possessing, distributing or publishing an indecent image of someone under 16 is illegal. However, Jersey Police say they will not necessarily prosecute those under 16 if there is no public protection issue and the youngsters were simply naive or ignorant to the law.

For adults, sharing explicit pictures with consent between those people is not an offence, but if an adult shares that image without permission that becomes illegal.

The NSPCC in Jersey say any youngster who is concerned about an indecent image being shared without their consent can contact them by visiting their centre at 42-44 Stopford Road, St Helier or calling 01534 760800.