About sexting, it is a combination of the words sex and texting, the digital recording of nude or sexually suggestive or explicit images and their distribution by mobile phone messaging or through social networking. The term sexually explicit can mean different things to different people, but is generally described as an image designed to initiate sexual excitement for the person receiving the image.
Young people may use sexting to express their sexuality and it is becoming a common way for people in relationships to express their feelings and desires. However, it can raise issues of consent, privacy, harassment and legality and it is important for young people to realise the potential negative consequences of sexting. Providing support and effective strategies to this agegroup is essential to minimise any harm that may result from sending sexts.
In the worst case scenario, your sexts may be shared with people you didn’t intend to see it. You may feel ashamed or embarrassed that people saw a very personal part of you, and it could make others around you view you in a negative way. Victims who have had their sexts shared without permission have a high risk of embarrassment, as well having less trust in the relationships of people around them.
Understand the consequences of what could happen if you take, send or forward sexual photos of you or someone underage. You could get kicked out of clubs, sports teams and even out of school, be humiliated, not get into college or be acepted for jobs and you could even be in trouble with the law.
It’s great that you trust the person you’re sending it to.Trust is the foundation of a good relationship. However, sometimes unexpected things happen, such as a break up or fight that might cause the other person to share your sexts. Their social networks could be hacked or their phone could be stolen, and that may cause your sexts to be shared as well. If someone shares your photo, it could spread quickly and your family or friends may also see it, along with a ton of strangers.
Before hitting send, remember that what gets posted on the Internet stays there! Once on the Internet, your photo can become a viral marketing campaign, meaning others can spread your photo all over the Internet. You may trust your girlfriend or boyfriend but consider the fact that they can send your photo to their friends which can be sent to many others, or they could post it on the Internet. THINK CAREFULLY before you send that sext message.
