Consensual Teenage Sexting and Youth Criminal Records

Currently the law in England and Wales means that young people who engage in consensual teenage sexting are at risk of being charged with child pornography and indecency offences. Even where no formal action is taken, any investigation of such behaviour will be recorded on the young person’s criminal record where it may be disclosed in a way which impacts upon the young person’s future access to education, employment, travel, insurance and housing. This article will argue that it is critical to find a balance between children’s protection rights and their right to sexual self-determination.