Writing an article for the Times, the 30-year-old told how sexting has become a central issue among young teens today, yet not enough is being done to tackle it.
She wrote: “As the problem is getting bigger, the level of support needed is not growing with it.”
“It infuriates me to see the Prime Minister treat it with such a lack of common sense.”
The former Girls Aloud singer, who works as an ambassador for children’s charity Barnardo’s, rallied for compulsory and greater sex and relationship education in schools.
Nicola explained how, due to her work with the charity, she's had the opportunity to talk to victims first hand, which brought to light just how much lives can be pulled apart by falling prey to online predators.
Many of the young girls she spoke to are desperately trying to rebuild their lives after the traumatic experience.
Pointing out just how grave the problem is, Nicola said:
“Their stories are heartbreaking. Sexual exploitation can lead to drug abuse, depression, homelessness and countless other long-term issues.
“Sexting and child abuse exploitation are serious problems that David Cameron and his government are simply not addressing.”
It’s been repeatedly called for compulsory sex education to be introduced in schools, specifically lessons that highlight modern issues such a sexting, but any action to put this into motion has been ignored in parliament.
Recently, an investigation by The Times brought to light to what they called a “sexting epidemic” saying children as young as 12 are sending explicit pictures regularly.
Former culture secretary Maria Miller told the paper:
“I used to think it should be schools who decide what’s appropriate but the way the internet is impacting on young people’s lives — and particularly young girls — leaves them in need of far greater support.”
Although Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan has urged schools to put in place “high quality PSHE” lessons,” the demand for it to be legal requirement has been ignored.
Do you think sex education should be compulsory in schools? Let us know on our Facebook or Twitter page.