The Ins and Outs of Sexting
/Sexting/ Definition
Sex-ting; (sex and texting) means using technology to send, receive or view images, videos or messages of a sexual nature
You may have heard about it. You may have engaged in it. You may have sent or received messages that involve it, but what are the ins and outs when it comes to taking part in sexting?!
The rise of all things tech, from phones to tablets and all of the Apps and gadgets in between, make it ridiculously easy to send a snap in a heartbeat.
It’s literally easier than ordering take away on a Friday.
But, with great accessibility comes great responsibility.
There are many benefits of engaging in sexting, but there are also significant risks that you need to be aware of. Some that can impact your life, or the life of someone else.
So, let’s get to the nitty gritty of sexting, and what you need to know before you hit ‘send’.
What is Sexting?
Sexting is defined as sending, receiving or viewing a message of a sexual nature. This is sent using technology and can be in the form of text, image or video (or all of the above).
Who can do it?
Anyone with access to a device can send a message that is written in a sexual nature.
Anyone with access to a device and a camera can send an image or video that is taken in a sexual nature.
Anyone with access to a device can receive an image or message of a sexual nature.
This means that unless you do not have a medium to send, receive or view a message of a sexual nature, you can participate in sexting.
However, just because you may not have sent a message of a sexual nature, doesn’t mean you are not involved.
Yes! You read that right!
If you view a message of a sexual nature, whether it has been directly sent to you or it has been shared with you by the receiver of the image, you are engaging in sexting.
It’s important to know that you don’t have to send or directly receive the message to be involved. You just have to see it. And this is where the danger happens.
Is it Dangerous?
Well, to be blunt; there’s laws around it.
So, yes, there’s risks.
Under Australian law, it’s illegal to use your phone or internet to take, keep, look at, send or ask someone to send sexual images or videos of anyone who is under 18 years of age.
EVEN IF someone who has sent the message is under 18 and consents to images, videos or texts of a sexual nature being sent or received.
Different Australian states have different laws, such as the Intimate Image laws adopted in Western Australia, however across the board it is also a crime to harass someone to send naked photos or send unwanted naked pics.
So, be aware that there are laws around sexting, and it’s important to understand them.
Why Would Someone Engage in Sexting?
There are many reasons why people sext each other. It can be exciting, fun and a way to show someone you’re into them.
You may want to flirt with them, show them you miss them, or interact and let them know exactly how you feel.
Let’s be clear. There’s nothing wrong with sexting when there is consent, respect and communication.
But there’s also instances where sexting can have a strong impact on mental and emotional wellbeing.
Why?
Because, sometimes people can be pressured into sending a sext.
Or they feel obliged to send one back because they were sent one first.
Sometimes people send a sext with full consent, but that message is then shared with a wider audience. Meaning more than one person sees your image, video or text.
These situations can be hurtful, embarrassing and filled with regret. It is important to know that the seriousness of this situation can harm yourself and others, so be thoughtful in your distribution and receipt of sexts.
As soon as your message has been sent, it is out in the world and it is harder to control who sees it.
What if a sext Goes Public?
It. Happens.
There are many instances where a sext has gone public, much to the embarrassment and humiliation of the person/people involved.
If this happens, it’s important to take necessary steps to have it removed where possible.
1. Communicate openly- ask the people who have shared it to delete the image/video/text.
2. Visit the eSafety Commissioner website to see how you can legally fix the issue and stop the image being distributed further online.
The Final Word
There’s nothing wrong with sending a sexual text, video, or image to someone you care for. But, it’s extremely important to understand that the risks involved could influence not only yourself, but others as well.
Proceed with caution, understand the risks, and have fun.
If you need to chat about sexting or have any questions you need answered, shout out and we can have a confidential chat to remove any concerns or worries you may have.
Mellanie Shaylor
Let’s be friends on Instagram
