Personal Safety: Sexting
Youth
Sexting is exchanging sexual messages, photos or videos by text message, social media or email. Some people sext as a way to flirt, to be close to someone without risking pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or simply because they are curious. Some people may think sexting is harmless, but nothing we send on our phones or online is private, including text messages, emails or direct messages.
Once you send a sexual message, it could be shared with other people without your knowledge or permission. Forwarding a sexual message you receive or posting a screenshot of a sext online may also be illegal in your state if the message contains a photo of a young person.
Considering how risky it is to send sexual messages, never pressure anyone to send you a sext. If someone is pressuring you to send a sext, remember that it is okay to say “No.” If someone sends you a sext, do not share it with friends or classmates. If you receive an unwanted sext that makes you feel uncomfortable, ask the person not to send any more sexts. Talk with a trusted adult if the person continues to sext you.
It’s normal to have sexual thoughts and feelings and to want to express your attraction for another person. While sexting may seem like a safe and easy way to do that, it is important to consider all the possible consequences before deciding to send a sexual text message.
Parents
The internet is a great place for young people to do research for school, share pictures with friends, play video games or check out the latest trending videos. It’s important to remember that billions of people access the internet, so there are lots of opportunities to connect—but not everyone has the best intentions for doing so.
It is never okay to bully someone. Bullying someone online—through email, social media, text messaging or any other website or app—is called cyberbullying, and it is a form of bullying.
It’s important for young people to think critically before sharing personal information, pictures or videos online. Nothing on the internet is completely private, but young people can avoid unwanted contact and unwanted content by using online safety tools, understanding privacy and location settings and keeping strong passwords.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
It’s best to start conversations about online safety early. Instead of trying to figure out what your child is doing on social media and with other technology, coach your child through each platform and strategies to explore safely. With your help, your child can grow as a person by exploring the world of technology and the internet while you provide a safety net of trust to fall back on.
Educators
The internet is a great place for young people to do research for school, share pictures with friends, play video games or check out the latest trending videos. It’s important to remember that billions of people access the internet, so there are lots of opportunities to connect—but not everyone has the best intentions for doing so.
It is never okay to bully someone. Bullying someone online—through email, social media, text messaging or any other website or app—is called cyberbullying, and it is a form of bullying.
It’s important for young people to think critically before sharing personal information, pictures or videos online. Nothing on the internet is completely private, but young people can avoid unwanted contact and unwanted content by using online safety tools, understanding privacy and location settings and keeping strong passwords.
International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education
Violence
Safe Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Safe Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)