Sexting or "sex texting" is sending or getting sexually explicit or suggestive images, messages, or video on a smartphone or through the Internet. Most teens have various ways to get online, Smartphones, tablets, and laptops all can be used in private. It's very easy for teens to create and share personal photos and videos of themselves without their parents knowing about it. Girls may sext as a joke, as a way of getting attention, or because of peer pressure or pressure from guys. Guys sometimes blame "pressure from friends. And teens get some backup for that when lewd celebrity pictures and videos go mainstream. Instead of ruined careers or humiliation, the consequences are often greater fame and reality TV shows. Teens should understand that messages, pictures, or videos sent via the Internet or smartphones are never truly private or anonymous. In seconds they can be out there for all the world to see. Even if the image, video, or text was only meant for one person, after it's sent or posted, it's out of your teen's control.
What teenagers wish their parents knew about sexting
Early conversations about sexting: why they’re important
Cases reported to cops 'virtually every day' - including one of a child under 10 who was asked for sex while gaming online. Children as young as 10 are being pressured into sharing explicit pictures and videos of themselves online, with cases reported to police "virtually every day". A specialist team at Scotland Yard received two reports in six days, as well as one of a child under 10 who was asked for sex while gaming online. Detective Superintendent John Macdonald, from the force's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, says police only see a fraction of so-called "sexting" cases. He said: "Virtually every day we're seeing examples of very young children, I'm talking about 10 or sometimes even a bit younger than that, being asked to supply imagery online.
Account Options
Sexting is making sexually suggestive images and sharing these images using mobile phones or by posting them on the internet and social media. The images might be photographs of yourself or someone else naked or partially naked. Children under 11 years are less likely to send sexts than teenagers are. And they can also feel worried, confused or upset by pressure to sext.
Sexting is making sexually suggestive images and sharing these images using mobile phones or by posting them on the internet and social media. The images might be photographs of yourself or someone else naked or partially naked. You might think that sexting is something risky, dangerous and illegal. For teenagers, sexting is often fun and consensual. They might also see sexting as part of building relationships and self-confidence, and exploring sexuality, bodies and identities. Young people do worry about their images being shared with other people, including friends and family members. Many try to reduce this risk by making images only for people they trust, and with whom they have or hope to have a romantic or intimate relationship. Young people want to be able to talk openly and honestly with their parents about sexting.
