What would the police do if they discovered an under 18 masturbating?
Nothing. is not illegal, and the police have no interest in it.
Masturbation is completely normal, legal, and private. It doesn't matter how old you are. There is no law against it. The police would have no reason to be involved and no power to do anything even if they were.
The only time masturbation could become a legal issue is if someone does it in public or in front of someone who hasn't to seeing it. That's a completely different situation and falls under public indecency, not masturbation itself.
If you've been worrying about this, you can stop. You're not doing anything wrong.
Nothing. is not against the law. The police have no interest in it.
Masturbation is completely normal, legal, and private. It does not matter how old you are. There is no law against it.
The only time it could be a legal problem is if someone does it in public or in front of someone who has not agreed to see it. That is a different thing entirely.
If you have been worrying about this, you can stop. You are not doing anything wrong.
Need to talk to someone?
- ChildlineAny issue affecting under-19s. Abuse, bullying, mental health, relationships, sexual health.
- BrookSexual health, contraception, relationships, STIs. For under-25s.
Where to go from here
Three places this answer connects to — pick what you need next.
The book that answers the questions young people really ask — written for parents, carers and educators.
Buy the book →Curriculum guidance, lesson ideas and key terms to teach this topic with confidence.
See the topic hub →Expert-led delivery, training and curriculum planning from the team behind Okay to Ask.
See our services →