Response to government plans for new legislation to restrict access to nude images for under 18s

”The National Youth Agency welcomes any measure that helps keep children and young people safe online, including stronger action to prevent exposure to nude and sexual content. But legislation and censorship can only ever be part of the solution. Even with these restrictions in place, young people will still be able to access harmful images or ideas elsewhere and indeed, once they can view such content at the age of 18, so it's important that they understand the impact of viewing and sharing such content, how to keep themselves safe and who they can reach out to if they need to.

Youth workers play a vital role in this education, early intervention and support. They help young people affected by unhealthy and unrealistic attitudes towards relationships, bodies and intimacy; identify signs of harm, grooming or exploitation; challenge harmful behaviours; and support young people to build healthy relationships, confidence and positive body image. Online safety must combine regulation with access to trusted, relational youth work."

Abbee McLatchie,Interim CEO, National Youth Agency