The information on this page is about common legal issues for young people in Victoria.
Know your legal do’s and don’ts. Understand your rights. Look after yourself and your friends.
Naked ‘selfies’
It’s illegal to film or photograph people having sex without their consent.
If you create, possess or transmit (send or forward) images of people under 18 having sex or posing in sexually explicit ways, this could be child abuse material.
Taking part in child abuse material is illegal. You could get into very serious trouble with the law for creating, possessing or sending it, even if everyone involved in the photos or videos wanted to do it. You might end up on the sex offenders’ registry (if found guilty, anyone over 18 definitely will).
If you get an explicit image or video of anyone who looks even remotely like they might be under 18, always delete it. Even images and videos stored in your inbox are illegal.
Read more about sexting and child abuse material.
Criminal records
If you have been found guilty of a criminal offence, it will be included in a police record of your criminal history, also known as a criminal record. You may also get a criminal driving record from VicRoads for traffic offences.
Having a criminal record or being registered as a sex offender can have bad consequences for your future, including relationships, employment and travelling overseas.
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