Sexting: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Here’s a simple definition of sexting for you: Sexting is sending sexually suggestive pictures or words via text, chat or apps. And here’s the bottom line: please don’t do it; do NOT send pictures of your private parts, especially if you under 18 years of age.

There are so many reasons to avoid sexting.

Reason #1 to don’t do sexting: It’s illegal.

Sexting by minors is illegal in most places and can wind you up in huge trouble! It may seem like taking a picture of your own body parts is your business. Well, actually, in taking that photo, if you’re under 18, you just created child porn… and you may be guilty of a crime called, “production or manufacturing of child pornography.” And if you send it, you’re guilty “distribution of child porn.” And if you receive it, and it’s on your phone, you’re now guilty of… ‘possession of child porn.’ These are super serious crimes. Talk about de-railing your life before it even gets started…

So, #1, don’t do sexting because it’s illegal.

Sexting by minors is illegal in most places, even if both parties consent!

Reason #2 to avoid sexting: Sexting can come back to haunt you.

Your photos can be used against you. There are endless examples of sexting gone wrong, and it often goes like this: somebody sends a nude photo to, just their boyfriend or girlfriend… but then they get in an argument, someone’s hurt, and so that photo gets sent out. Or, maybe your photo library get hacked; it happens all the time. There are bunch of ways your private photo can go public.

And then, you experience humiliation, alienation, harassment, or worse.

And here’s the kicker:

You can never get that photo back.

Reason #3 to why sexting is bad: It’s dehumanizing.

Sexting is demeaning. And it objectifies the person. The person is viewed as an object, or a body part, rather than a vibrant, complex, whole human being.

Please, do not engage in sexting. The long-term consequences can be devastating to you.

Alright, that’s just a quick summary.

For more thorough info, check out the “Top Tips for Tech Success” Knowledge Pack in the UpGo Cyber Safety App.