What is sexting?
Sending someone sexually explicit photographs or messages, whether verbal or in pictures.
The Statistics
1 in 7 teens send sexts and 1 in 4 teens receive sexts.
Whether it’s on Snapchat, Instagram DM’s, Facebook Messenger, or regular iMessaging or texting, sexting seems to be everywhere. - FTND
What is the Harm of Sexting?
Sexting can be considered child porn.
By law, minors (anyone under 18) who are caught sending, possessing, or distributing (i.e. sharing with friends) nude pictures, can face major criminal charges. Those are some serious, life-changing problems for a split second decision like pressing ‘send.’
Sending nudes can be an unhealthy addition to any relationship. Objectification isn’t a healthy part of intimacy.
Sexting is linked to revenge porn, harassment, sextortion, and blackmail.
Think about this, next time you’re asked to press send: sexts rarely just stay with the recipient. Most share the intended “private” pictures with their friends and even online.
The Bottom Line
Sending and receiving nude/sexual pictures or videos just isn’t a smart idea. Either you’re under 18 and at risk of child pornography charges, or you’re over 18 and at risk of having your photos posted online for the entire world to see…or both. - FTND
What is Sextortion?
Sextortion happens when a person uses coercion to obtain sexual photos, videos, money, or even sex from a victim. Many times, the targets are pre-teens and teens, and they’re not always girls-boys can also be victims. Perpetrators are often current, former, or wannabe romantic or sexual partners attempting to harass, embarrass and control victims. - Protect Young Eyes
3 Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Sextortion:
Control Night Time Internet Use.
Control the Apps Your Kids Have.
Talk to Your Kids About Porn and Predators.
You Sent a Sext. Now What?
Report:
Report it to the website or app.
To CyberTipline.org
To the police.
To a teacher.
Get Support:
Ask your Mom, Dad, or Guardian for help.
Talk to your friends.
Talk to a trusted adult.
Talk to a teacher.
Don’t Give Up:
You are not powerless. You are strong. You can take charge of your situation and take back control of your life.
What If I’m Being Blackmailed or Sextorted?
Stop communicating with blackmailers. They’ll try to use your conversations to threaten and manipulate you-don’t give them a chance. Even if you have already started communicating with them, it’s never too late to stop and report it.
Block or remove the blackmailer from your contact list. If you decide to deactivate your account, contact the website/apps for help.
Make a report to the police and CyberTipline.org right away. Seriously. They can help. They may want to see any messages you’ve received from the blackmailer. - NCMEC