Listen to their views on sexting. Explore how they might feel if a naked photo of them was shared on the internet. Be clear that you are against them sharing a naked photo of themselves, not just because it's illegal but because of the risks.
Offer reassurance to your child, tell them you are going to help them lock down the image and control the circulation. Explore the facts tentatively with them. Keep the evidence, you may need it later. It may be appropriate for you to contact the person with whom they have shared the image.
Sexting is a Federal Crime
But even when the photo or message in question is being sent to a friend, sexting still violates child pornography statutes. Convicted teens may even have to register as sex offenders.
Using your mobile phone or computer to send, take or download nude or sexual images is a crime if the image includes a person under 18. The law says this is publishing, producing or possessing child pornography.
As early as 8 years old, more than one in 10 kids with smartphones will become exposed to sexting, the study found. By 13, more than a third of children who have a smartphone will be exposed. However, the study found that sexting starts earlier for girls.
According to a 2021 Common Sense Media survey, an estimated 88% of 13- to 18-year-olds and 43% of 8- to 12-year-olds have smartphones. It's not too surprising then that sexting is more common among kids and teens these days. A 2021 study on sexting among youth found these statistics: 19.3% had sent a sext.
The act of sexting can be consensual and is not itself a sign of abuse. However, an abuser could use photographs, videos, or messages shared through sexting to maintain power and control over you. For example, the abuser may later threaten to share these images or may actually share them with others.
It's important to stay calm; reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you. Listen to them and offer support – they're probably upset and will need help and advice, not criticism. Remind them not to print or share the image as this could put them at risk.
Your discomfort with sexting could be due to lack of experience — it can definitely feel awkward at first. If you talk to your partner about what's making you feel weird about sexting, they may reassure you that they feel kind of awkward about it, too.
Ask Who or What Led Your Child to Sext
Often, teens send sexual messages because of peer pressure and blackmail. They may also believe sexting is a healthy way to flirt. During the process, it's crucial only to ask relevant questions. That may help your child feel comfortable enough to share the reasons.
Sexting can cause serious problems for teens. Not only can it lead to social embarrassment, but it can also lead to bullying and cyberbullying. It can also affect a person's career choices and can lead to “Sextortion” which is the act of sharing naked pictures with another person to harm them.
Sexting can happen through sexually explicit text messages, provocative audio clips, suggestive selfies, or videos. No matter what form sexting takes, it should always be a consensual practice between two or more parties.
Sexting is often considered a sexual crime, and is considered a felony in many areas. Depending upon the circumstances and the charges, offenders can face fines and/or jail time. In some states minors may even be prosecuted for simply possessing nude images of themselves on their own phone.
For some people, sexting or sending sexually explicit material via digital devices can turn into an addiction. 1 While sexting addiction is not a diagnosable mental health condition, many experts say it can be part of sexual addiction and have a significant impact on daily functioning.
The Surprising Statistics of Teen Sexting and Cyberbullying
Participants ranged in age from 12 to 17 years old, with average age of 15 years old. Results of their review indicated the following: At least 1 in 4 teens are receiving sexually explicit texts and emails. At least 1 in 7 are sending sexts.
If the sex is consensual (and it must be enthusiastic consent) and the other party is also aged 16 years or over it is not against the law, although there are some exceptions: If the person is very drunk or under the influence of drugs, they may not have the capacity to consent so having sex with them is an offence.
What are the consequences? The maximum penalties for crimes relating to sexting range from 7 years to 12 years imprisonment for ACT offences, and 15 years imprisonment for Commonwealth offences. If you are charged with a more minor offence (as determined by the police), you may be fined.
Maximum penalties that apply to people charged with these offences range from 10 to 15 years imprisonment.
A new study has shown that sexting was associated with depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and compulsive sexual behaviors. The study is published in the peer-reviewed journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. Sexting is defined as sending a sexually explicit image of oneself over text messaging.
“Sexting has a lot of risk, just like any other sexual activity, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. As with everything in life, there's no way you can be 100 percent safe.
Even if the recipient does not share your sexts – your phone (or cloud) could be lost, stolen, or hacked. Leaked photos and images can ruin your reputation, career, and even personal relationships.