Online grooming?

[Lost_Soul]

I am currently a 19 yo girl, first year of uni and I recently graduated from highschool last year. When I was about 16/17 yo in highschool, I sent explicit images of myself to three people that I randomly met online as they had wanted and requested for it. One of about my age, the other was about 4 years older, and the third was about 10 years older than me. I have since that incident, I have been feeling extremely ashamed, guilty and anxious pretty much on a daily basis. I keep on feeling like I did something illegal, and although some people have told me that I got groomed, I can't seem to believe this to be true. Would really love some words of advice and support.

[Scared]

Yes it I believe you were groomed.

The reason you were groomed is because of your age.  These people online target young people like yourself because your brain is developing and you dont fully understand the consequences of what your doing .

Now you are older and wiser and your brain has developed more in the last 2 years you can see that it was not the right thing to do.   There are seriously bad and sick people in this world that prey upon young people because of the fact young people dont always understand consequences as in your case.  Give yourself a break from beating yourself up over this.  You were young and silly at the time.  This is why parents still treat their 16 yo children like kids because adults know you not fully grown up yet even tho you think you have grown up.  It was just a silly mistake and you learnt from  it.  Now time to stop all this nonsense and focus on uni instead. You did something you now regret and this is how we learn.  If it still bothers you then you can go online teaching other kids to be careful on the internet

[Sophie_M]

Hey Lost_Soul,

Thank you for your post. We are so sorry that you have had this experience. This is a lot to be managing all on your own - is there someone in your life that you are able to bring this up with? Perhaps an adult that you trust that can help guide you to some support? We know it is possibly not a very comfortable conversation to have, but you do not deserve to have to navigate this by yourself.

We’re reaching out to you privately to make sure you’re ok. If you'd prefer to call us, we're on 1300 22 4636, or you can reach us online via our webchat: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/   

It sounds like you could use some support with this. If you'd like to have a chat with one of the lovely people at 1800Respect they're on 1800 737 732, or you can reach them on online chat, here: https://chat.1800respect.org.au/#/welcome 

Thank you again for your courage and strength in sharing your story. Our community is here to support you.

Kind regards,  

Sophie M 

[Lost_Soul]

I am sorry but it's just not that easy to forget about it. The person that was 4 years older really pressurised me. He said that if I didn't send him pic then you would block me. 

I am trying to move on, but it's hard. 

[BlueLily]

Hi Lost_Soul,

So sorry to hear how you have been treated and manipulated by some people. 

I have a sister of 21 years of age. I understand how a 16 year old can be vulnerable and oblivious to potential threats from society. Unfortunately people with immoral intentions take advantage of it. It's not your fault, people do mistakes all the time. Important thing is to learn from it, educate yourself and to make sure you are well protected from the predators moving forward. 

Sophie M has provided lot of support lines. Please do reach out and continue to share your story.

Take care...

[Merricat]

Hi Lost_Soul

I just wanted to add my support and to let you know that I agree with everything that Scared, Sophie_M and BlueLilly said in their replies.

Put all of it behind you and finish your uni degree and have a wonderful life.

Take care

Merricat 🐱