What is 'sexting' and why is it such a problem?
The word 'sexting' mixes 'sex' and 'texting' but it's not limited to text messages – it's when rude, sexual or inappropriate content is shared online. Sexting can happen through emails, SMS chat, social media posts, photos, videos, gaming platforms and more. Apps that allow for easy or anonymous sharing of photos are fertile ground for inappropriate content shared between teens. Quite often, there's peer pressure involved - the old 'everyone else is doing it' excuse.
Posting something on the Internet is simple but realising you've made a terrible mistake and trying to get that rude content removed is MUCH harder. What may have seemed like a funny joke at the time (or something you thought was private) can seem very unfunny or not private at all when it goes viral and it's out there for the world to see.
A classic example is when your boyfriend or girlfriend asks you to send a rude photo of themselves or to write you a super-intimate text message. You may think the recipient is the only person who will ever see it. But what happens when you break up? They might spread that content all over the Internet – it happens all the time.
And did you know it's illegal in Australia to use the Internet or your phone to look at, send or encourage others to send sexual images of anyone who is under 18 years of age?
Teenagers 'sext' for all kinds of reasons: as a joke, as a dare, to flirt, as proof of commitment to a relationship, to bully or humiliate others (like when locker room photos are taken without someone's knowledge) or as a 'trophy' to show off to their peers. They may be pressured into it (approval-seeking).
Here are some important things to remember about 'sexting':
- Privately shared photos are never really private. They can easily be shared, even if you're using apps that promise they'll be removed after a short time.
- Deleting a photo or message doesn't guarantee it hasn't already been downloaded, copied or shared – everything you post online leaves a digital footprint
- Before you send a photo or rude text, imagine how you'd feel if your entire school (or your parents) saw it – because they could, even if you've been 'careful'
- Sexting can have serious social and legal consequences – is it really worth getting into major trouble for?
- Sexting is never harmless and can lead to blackmail and bullying
If you find yourself in trouble with a 'sexting' situation that's stressing you out and don't know where to turn, your parents may be able to help – you just have to get over your embarrassment enough to let them know.