The Little-Known Facts About Sexting

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What It Is: Sexting is a term coined by the media referring to youth taking sexually explicit photos of themselves or others in their peer group and transmitting those photos to their peers. Different methods to send include using cell phones, computers, web cams, digital cameras, and certain video game systems.

The Consequences: First, it's illegal. If you take or send nude or sexually suggestive photos of yourself or anyone else under 18 - even if they're of yourself or you pass along someone else's - you could be charged with either producing or distributing child pornography. If you keep them on your phone or computer, you could be charged with possession of child pornography. And... if they go to someone in another state (and that happens really easily), then it becomes a federal felony.

Second, there's the emotional damage that can come from having intimate photos of yourself go to a friend who can become an ex-friend and send it to everyone you know. Not only can the images be sent around to others directly, they can be distributed and archived online for people to search for - pretty much forever.

Why It's Done:  Sometimes it's in response to peer pressure or pressure from a boyfriend or girlfriend. Sometimes it's just impulsive behavior, flirting, or even blackmail.

What To Do:  If your have sent any inappropriate or explict photos, make sure you stop immediately. You are at risk of being charged with producing and distributing child pornography. If you receive a sexting photo, the first thing to do is make sure you DON'T send it to anyone else (that's considered "distributing"). Second, talk to a parent or trusted adult. Tell them the full story so they know how to support you. And don't freak out if that adult decides to talk with the parents of others involved; that could be the best way to keep all of you from getting into serious trouble. If the picture is from a friend or someone you know, then someone needs to talk to that friend so he or she knows sexting is against the law. You would actually be doing the friend a big favor because of the serious trouble that can happen if the police get involved.

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