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.
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.
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
ตรวจสอบล่าสุด: 2026-05-22
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