Dorset Police has issued advice to parents and carers about what to do if their child is involved in ‘sexting’.

A spokesman said: “Not all teenagers are doing it, even if that’s what they tell their friends. But if it’s happened and it’s gone wrong: stay calm and support your child, take the device, don’t screenshot and don’t forward on, and peak to your child’s school, they have the power to help.”

Sexting involves sending naked pictures (‘nudes’) and other sexually explicit images to a boyfriend, girlfriend or someone else via mobile.

It is illegal for someone to take or possess a naked photo of someone who is under 18.