SEXTING: This involves sending or receiving sexually explicit or nude digital images, videos, text messages, or emails, often via cell phones. Sexting can occur through regular texts or apps like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Discord, or even online games.
There are many reasons why adolescents engage in sexting. Some might do it to impress a crush or as a joke. Others may willingly share explicit photos with their significant other, but sometimes they feel pressured. While sexting may start as consensual, it can become nonconsensual if the image is shared publicly or with peers. In some cases, adults may pretend to be minors to engage with adolescents online, leading to risks like sextortion—where someone is blackmailed with the threat of sharing explicit images unless demands for more content, sexual activity, or money are met.
Regardless of the circumstances, sexting exposes adolescents to a range of social, emotional, and legal risks. Trust is broken when an image is forwarded without consent, and once it's online, it's almost impossible to remove. This can harm academic, social, and employment opportunities.
If the image's creator consents to it being sent, law enforcement may get involved, leading to investigations. This could result in educational programs, community service, or even charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
How to Help Prevent Sexting
- Set clear rules for internet and cell phone use with your child and discuss the consequences for breaking them.
- Talk through the impact their actions could have on others, like friends or classmates.
- If your child reveals something alarming during these conversations, try to stay calm and continue listening. Remember, they are not at fault. Keep the lines of communication open so they feel safe discussing sexting with you.
Questions to Ask Your Child
- Has anyone ever sent you a sext?
- Has anyone ever asked or pressured you to send one?
- Do you think it’s okay to forward explicit images? Why?
- What could happen if you send or forward a nude picture?
- How could a private photo sent to one person end up being seen by others?
Discussion points
- Explain the consequences of sending or forwarding explicit photos—such as getting kicked off sports teams, facing public embarrassment, losing educational opportunities, or being investigated for sharing illegal content.
- Encourage them not to take photos they wouldn’t want everyone—teachers, classmates, family, or employers—to see.
- Emphasize that once they hit "send," they can’t control where the image goes.
- Teach them the importance of consent and never forwarding explicit content without permission. Forwarding an image violates trust and can cause serious harm to the person in the photo, not to mention legal consequences.
- Ask your child how they think someone might feel if their image was shared without consent.
- Reinforce the importance of not keeping secrets. If they hear a friend has shared or received an explicit photo, encourage them to tell a trusted adult—even if the friend asked them not to.
- Remind them that if anyone pressures them to send explicit content, they should not give in and should speak to a trusted adult.
What to Do If an Image Has Already Been Shared
- Offer emotional support. Assure your child that you will get through this together. This can be a very scary time for both children and parents, so remember—you’re not alone. Seeking professional help may also be beneficial.
- Report it to the platform where the image was posted, making it clear your child is a minor and the image was shared without consent.
- Additional reporting options include:
- Local Child Advocacy Center
- Take It Down
- CyberTipline
- Contact the school to help stop further sharing and address any harassment.
- Contact the police if your child is being blackmailed, harassed, or if the situation involves an adult.
For additional local resources, consider reaching out to a Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota or a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Center.