Promoting Positive Relationships in our SJPC community - Respect Online
Understanding the Law and Image-Based Abuse
In our connected world, digital devices and social media are a daily part of young people’s lives. While they offer ways to connect and share, they also bring risks—particularly in the form of image-based abuse, threatening and bullying behaviour.
Image-based abuse involves sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent. In Australia, this behaviour is illegal, with severe consequences for those involved. Young people may not fully understand the gravity of sharing intimate images, even in private contexts, and the lasting impact it can have. The use of generated artificial intelligence (Gen AI) images adds a troubling dimension, as realistic but fake images can be created and misused to target peers, staff, or others.
The Law: Sharing, or threatening to share, a nude or sexual image or video without the consent of the person shown is a crime in Australia. It is a criminal offence to:
- Share intimate images of a person without their consent.
- Threaten to share such images.
- Possess or create explicit images of minors, even if shared consensually among peers.
- Create or distribute Gen AI explicit images involving real or fake depictions of individuals without consent.
How Parents Can Respond
- Educate: Talk to your young person about the legal and emotional consequences of image sharing and the misuse of Gen AI technology.
- Monitor: Stay aware of your young person’s online activities and encourage responsible use of technology.
- Support: Let your young person know they can approach you if they encounter online harassment or pressure.
- Conversation Starters: Use open questions to discuss this topic with your young person.
‘Have you heard about image-based abuse? What do you think it means?’
‘What would you do if someone asked you to send a private image of yourself?’
‘Why is it important to think carefully before sharing images online?’
‘How can we protect ourselves and others from harmful online behaviour?’
The creation or sharing of inappropriate images—whether real or Gen AI—of peers, staff, or others will not be tolerated within our school community. We aim to partner with you in fostering a safe, nurturing environment where our students grow in faith, virtue, and knowledge. By raising awareness about image-based abuse, we can help our young people make wise choices and protect their dignity online. For more information: esafety Image-based Abuse
