Sexting generally refers to sending sexually explicit images or messages via text, social media or direct messages. For example, it could be a picture of a boy or young man exposing himself, or of a young woman not wearing any clothes.

There are many reasons why young people take such photos and send them to others. Two young people in a relationship might want to demonstrate their love or commitment to one another. They may have been pressured by someone – possibly the person to whom they are sending the image – to share a sexually explicit image of themselves in return.

The main concern regarding young people taking sexually explicit images of themselves is that these images may be forwarded to friends or posted on a social media platform without their consent. This can lead to social and emotional consequences for both the person in the image and the person who posted it. This may also include distress, humiliation and damage to reputation, as well as peer-to-peer harassment online and offline and unwanted sexual advances.

The social context

Many young people today feel comfortable recording and sharing their lives on social media, and are also used to seeing similar content from friends, celebrities and influencers.

This content may include photos of themselves, status updates and messages sent to friends or in group chats. Although this ‘share everything’ culture has some benefits, it can create an environment in which teenagers and young people make impulsive decisions without considering the possible consequences of their actions.

Often, they are just a click away from doing something they would not normally consider doing in the real world.

Consequences

Sending sexually explicit messages or images has the potential to cause problems for the sender and can have serious consequences if the content is shared with others – either by forwarding it or by uploading it to social media. This could have immediate consequences, possibly at school and amongst their group of friends.

Source: https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/