Most parents worry about online dangers like grooming, scams, or inappropriate websites. But there is another online threat affecting children and teenagers that often goes unnoticed until it happens: cyberflashing.
Cyberflashing is a form of online sexual harassment that involves sending unsolicited sexual images, most commonly images of male genitalia, to someone who did not ask for them and did not consent to receiving them. For children, this can be deeply upsetting, confusing, and frightening.
What Is Cyberflashing?
Cyberflashing happens when someone sends an explicit image to another person without permission. This can occur through:
- Messaging apps and social media platforms
- Direct messages from strangers
- Features like AirDrop or Bluetooth sharing, where images can suddenly appear on a device
In some cases, children need not open the image. A preview can appear on their screen before they have a chance to decline it.
Cyberflashing is the digital equivalent of indecent exposure. The difference is that it can happen anywhere, at any time, and directly on a child’s personal device.
How Common Is Cyberflashing Among Children?
Many young people say their first experience of receiving explicit images happened while they were still minors.
- Research from the UK Safer Internet Centre highlights that 76% of girls aged 12–18 report having received unsolicited nude images of boys or men
- Another source notes that 1 in 10 children have been cyberflashed, while another report suggests that over half of teens (52%) received unwanted nude or sexual images.
- Gender Disparity: Girls are disproportionately affected, both as victims of cyberflashing/nudifying apps and as targets for explicit deepfakes, according to Internet Matters and protectchildren.ca.
- Age of Exposure: It can happen to young children, with some studies showing significant exposure to explicit content by age 9, and many incidents of image sharing occurring before age 15, according to Bravehearts and eSafety Commissioner.
While most available data focus on teenagers rather than younger children, online safety experts agree that children are increasingly exposed to online risks as they gain access to smartphones, tablets, and messaging apps.
These images are often sent by strangers, but they can also be sent by acquaintances or peers. Regardless of who sends them, the key issue is the same: there is no consent.
Why Cyberflashing Is Harmful
Cyberflashing is not “harmless” or “just a joke.” For children, it can cause:
- Shock, fear, or distress
- Confusion about sex and boundaries
- Feelings of shame or embarrassment
- Anxiety about using their device again
Children are still developing emotionally and cognitively. Being exposed to explicit sexual images without warning can interfere with healthy development and distort their understanding of relationships, consent, and personal safety.
Importantly, many children do not report cyberflashing to adults. They may worry about getting into trouble, feel embarrassed, or believe nothing can be done.
Why Technology Makes Cyberflashing Easier
Some digital features unintentionally make cyberflashing easier:
- AirDrop and proximity sharing can allow images from nearby strangers to appear instantly
- Weak privacy settings on social media can allow strangers to message children directly
- Lack of default safety controls means children are often exposed unless settings are manually changed
- Increased Tech Access: More children have personal devices, increasing their exposure to unsolicited explicit content.
- “Nudifying” Apps & Deepfakes: A surge in apps that create fake nude images (deepfakes) amplifies harm, with girls being the primary targets.
- Lack of Awareness: Many children are unaware of how to prevent these attacks (e.g., turning off AirDrop/Bluetooth when not needed) or how to report them effectively.
This is why parental involvement and device setup are critical to prevention.
What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Children
There are practical steps parents can take to reduce the risk and support children if it happens.
1. Talk openly about unsolicited images
Explain that no one has the right to send sexual images without permission. Make it clear that if this happens, it is not the child’s fault.
2. Check device and app settings
- Set AirDrop or similar features to “Contacts Only” or turn them off
- Review privacy settings on social media and messaging apps
- Limit who can send messages or images
3. Encourage children to speak up
Let children know they can come to you without fear of punishment. The sooner an incident is reported, the easier it is to respond.
4. Teach children what to do if it happens
Children should know to:
- Do not reply to the sender
- Block and report the account
- Tell a trusted adult immediately
5. Report incidents: Gather all evidence (screenshots, URLs, transaction details).
Cyberflashing can and should be reported to:
- The platform or app where it occurred
- To the school, if it involves peers
- South African Police Service (SAPS):
- Visit your nearest police station to open a case and obtain a CAS number.
- Call the tip-off line: 0860 010 111 (24/7).
- For child protection, email childprotect@saps.org.za.
A Final Word for Parents
Cyberflashing is a real and growing online safety issue. It is not rare, and it is not something children should have to deal with alone.
By understanding what cyberflashing is, talking openly about it, and putting simple protections in place, parents can significantly reduce the risk and help children feel safer and more confident online.
At Click Safe Online, our goal is to help families navigate the digital world with clarity, confidence, and care.
Keeping kids safer online.