Former Culture Secretary Maria Miller said sexting is an ‘epidemic’ which is on the increase and is spreading to primary schools.
“It’s now frankly something that children accept as part of their everyday life right from primary school age and all the research shows it’s a growing trend,” said Mrs Miller.
The MP also said more has to be done to help young people understand the impact of sexting, such as distribution. Mrs Miller also said there needs to be more support for children when sexting does go wrong and that schools are struggling to cope with the problem.
On Sunday 5 October, 5 live Investigates hears more of these interviews and from friends of victims who have been affected by sexting.
A report from the NSPCC two years ago called for schools to discuss issues around sexting with children as part of personal, social and health education.
The report - A Qualitative Study of Children, Young People and Sexting’ - revealed there was ‘little or no effective policy in place’ regarding sexting among teenagers.
There is still no requirement for schools to include sexting as part of their personal, social and health education.
