Sexting
What is Sexting?
Sexting refers to sending, receiving, or forwarding sexualized messages, images, videos, or other digital content via a smartphone or the internet. Sexting is not inherently problematic. There are different forms of sexting, including voluntary and consensual sexting, involuntary or coerced sexting, and forwarding intimate content without consent.
The latter in particular can have serious consequences for those affected. Sexting becomes especially problematic when pressure is applied or content is misused, for example to humiliate, blackmail, or engage in cyberbullying. Young people may underestimate the risks associated with digital content. Once images or videos have been sent, control over them can quickly be lost. Content can be saved, forwarded, or permanently distributed online.
What are the dangers of Sexting?
Sexting is particularly problematic when it occurs under social or emotional pressure. Statements such as “If you really love me, you’ll send me a picture” can put young people under pressure and influence their ability to make a free and independent decision.
It is especially concerning that intimate content can easily be saved or shared further. As a result, those affected often lose control over their own content. The consequences can be emotionally and socially distressing. People affected often report shame, anxiety, stress, or a loss of trust. At the same time, cyberbullying, exclusion, or public humiliation may occur.
Studies also show that sharing intimate content without permission is closely associated with cyberbullying and emotional distress. An international meta-analysis also found that around 12% of young people had at some point forwarded intimate content belonging to others without consent. Around 8% had themselves been affected by such further distribution.
How can you handle Sexting responsibly?
It is important for young people to know that nobody is obliged to send intimate pictures or messages. Everyone has the right to set their own boundaries and say “no.”
A few basic rules can help with responsible sexting:
• Do not send content if you feel unsure or under pressure.
• Never save or forward intimate images of others without their consent.
• Avoid personal identifying features such as your face, school, or place of residence whenever possible.
• Be aware that digital content can be stored permanently.
• Seek help if situations become uncomfortable or distressing.
• Use privacy settings and secure passwords.
• Professionals also refer to this as “safer sexting,” meaning a conscious and safe approach to intimate digital content.
What should you do if you are affected?
If intimate images are shared without consent, support should be sought as quickly as possible. It is important to understand that those affected are not to blame when others violate their boundaries.
Helpful steps include:
- Save screenshots and other evidence.
- Inform trusted people such as parents, teachers, or school social workers.
- Report the content to the relevant platforms and request that it be removed.
- Contact counseling services or support organizations.
- Do not downplay the behavior of the perpetrators.
Sharing intimate images without permission is a serious violation of personal boundaries and may have legal consequences.
How can you support friends?
If friends are affected, support is especially important. Many people who are affected feel guilty or ashamed. That is why it helps to listen calmly and take the situation seriously.
It is important to:
• Avoid blaming them.
• Do not share the images any further.
• Support those affected and take them seriously.
• Look for help together.
• Involve adults or counseling services when necessary.
Even small gestures of support can help prevent those affected from feeling alone.
Sources
• National Institute of Justice –
The Impact of Nonconsensual Sharing of Intimate Images
https://nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/impact-nonconsensual-sharing-intimate-images
• ScienceDirect – Research on sexting, cyberbullying, and psychological consequences
https://www.sciencedirect.com/
• PubMed Central – Meta-analysis on sexting among young people
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10092138/
• Cyberpsychology – Research on “safer sexting”
