Cyberflashing — Unsolicited Sexual Images
Cyberflashing is a UK criminal offence as of 31 January 2024. How to recognise it, support your child, and report unsolicited sexual images sent by AirDrop, Bluetooth, or DM.
What is this?
Cyberflashing is the sending of unsolicited sexual images, most often by AirDrop, Bluetooth, or social-media direct message. It became a specific criminal offence in England and Wales on 31 January 2024 under Section 187 of the Online Safety Act 2023, which inserted a new section 66A into the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Victims are disproportionately young women and teenage girls, but children of any gender can be targeted. The offence can carry up to two years' imprisonment and, where relevant, sex-offender notification requirements.
How it works
An offender uses a phone's AirDrop or Bluetooth feature to push an image to nearby devices on public transport, in shops, or at school. On social media they may use the direct-message function, a disappearing message feature, or a fake account. Some offenders target a single child repeatedly; others send the same image to a wide group in the hope of provoking shock. Many young people do not tell an adult because they feel embarrassed or worry they will lose their phone.
Warning signs
In your child's behaviour
- • Sudden distress, embarrassment, or anxiety after using a phone in a public place
- • Reluctance to travel on public transport or go to a particular venue they previously enjoyed
- • Turning a phone off or putting it away quickly when an adult appears
- • Vague comments about 'someone sending things' without wanting to explain further
On their device
- • AirDrop or Nearby Share set to receive from 'Everyone' rather than contacts only
- • Unread message requests from unknown accounts containing image previews
- • Repeated incoming files from unknown senders in a short space of time
Prevention steps
Set AirDrop, Nearby Share, and Bluetooth to contacts only
On iPhone, set AirDrop to 'Contacts Only' or 'Receiving Off'. On Android, switch Nearby Share to 'Contacts' or 'Hidden'. Turn Bluetooth off when not in use, particularly on public transport.
Lock down DMs on every social platform
Restrict who can send direct messages and turn off image previews from non-followers where possible. Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok all offer settings that limit contact from unknown accounts.
Have the conversation before it happens
Tell your child that if anyone sends them an unwanted sexual image, it is the sender who has done something wrong and is now committing a criminal offence. They will not be in trouble and will not lose their phone for reporting it.
What to do if it happens
- 1Reassure your child that they have done nothing wrong. Screenshot the image (or the notification preview) and the sender details if it is safe to do so, then save them somewhere private as evidence.
- 2Report the incident to the police via 101 or online — cyberflashing is a criminal offence in England and Wales under Section 187 of the Online Safety Act 2023. If your child feels in immediate danger, call 999.
- 3Report the account or message to the platform and use the IWF reporting portal if the image is of a child. Childline (0800 1111) and the NSPCC (0808 800 5000) can offer emotional support.
Related topics
If you need to report this
In immediate danger: call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101.
Concerned about a child but it's not an emergency? NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000. Childline for young people 0800 1111.
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-22