Summary
Highlights
Sexting involves sending sexually explicit photos or videos created by oneself using new technologies. A study indicates that 42% of children aged 9-17 have seen sexual images, and 3 out of 10 have received such content. Adolescents often expose their lives on social media, not perceiving the risk of sharing compromising photos or personal data, especially on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram where content appears to be temporary, yet can be screenshotted and spread.
The primary risks include violation of privacy and loss of control over the image. The sender doesn't know where the image might end up. Other risks are cyberbullying (images used to humiliate), grooming (images ending up on child pornography sites or attracting predators), and extortion (recipients blackmailing and coercing with threats of publication).
Victims should be advised not to create such images, as privacy is lost once sent. They must seek help from trusted adults and report any harassment or receipt of sexual material. Observers should delete any received sexual content and never share or forward it, instead reporting it to a trusted adult.
Parents should teach children to say no, share their own experiences, emphasize that friendships change, and foster trust through open communication. If minors from school are involved, parents should communicate with tutors and consider reporting to law enforcement. Teachers should discuss sexting risks, inform families if a case is detected, stay updated on online tools, implement safety plans, and report severe cases to authorities.
It's crucial for families, teachers, and adolescents to understand that possessing or distributing sexual images of minors is considered child pornography and is a crime. Those who disseminate such content violate image rights and privacy, and can be prosecuted for crimes of discovery and disclosure of secrets.