Don’t try to run after reading the topic. I know it’s a sensitive topic to talk about but you should have knowledge of each and everything. Because a wise man once said, A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So let’s come to the point
What is Sexting?
By the name itself you can guess it’s the combination of two words, Sex, and texting. So sexting basically means sending or receiving sexual messages. This message can include nude photographs and videos or it can be just some adult text messages. Sexting can be categorized into two types primary and secondary sexting. In Primary sexting, the sext is sent between two persons and not shared further whereas in secondary sexting the sext is shared or forwarded beyond the intended receiver.
So we can say sext sent by you is not limited between you and your partner. It might be saved in someones else phone even if your partner has deleted it. We all know once we share something on the internet there is no way of going back. So think twice before sharing anything on the internet.
So now let’s look at some research related to sexting.
Research related to Sexting
- According to a study in southeast Texas, it was found around 27.6% (259 of 964) of teenagers have sent self-made sexually explicit photographs of themselves.
- According to research done by the 2008 American National Campaign, half of the teenage girls are being pressurised by teenage boys to send explicit messages. The report found about 23% of girls and 24% of boys stated the reason for sexting was peer pressure. They are being pressured by their friends or boyfriends to send explicit messages.
- Some studies suggest girls are more likely to share sext compared to boys whereas some studies suggest that boys are more likely to engage in such activity. And some studies suggest there is no gender difference when it comes to sexting. So gender is not an issue here.
Sexting is the main issue among the teenager. So the question is,
Why Teens usually engage in Sexting?
Curiosity can be one of the reasons. Teenage is the age where you are curious to explore each and every aspect of this world. But curiosity is not always the reason, sometimes it’s peer pressure too. It’s not necessary that pressure can be only from your partner, your friends might pressuring you. Teenage is an age full of stupidity you don’t think twice about what consequences your action might bring to you.
In this age, we not only do stupid things, but we also suggest others do the same. These stupid actions are not just limited to sending a sext, pressurizing your partner or motivating a friend to send a sext is equally stupid.
You might not know the consequence of your actions but there are some. so this brings us to another question,
What are the consequences?
Firstly it’s illegal. If you are sending an adult message or nude to someone without their consent then so might face legal consequences in the future. And if you are exchanging sext with a minor then you are in a greater problem because that consider as child pornography under section 13,14,15. And yes, you are a child if
your age is less than 18 years. Sending and receiver both are illegal for minors Consequences are not limited to just legal areas.
Have you watched “13 reasons why ?”, if you have watched it then you know that one of 13 reasons for Hannah’s suicide was such a message being viral in her school’s group. Your sext can be used to defame you, harass and bullying too. You might suffer mentally.
You may think what’s the issue in sending a sext to my partner?
He/She will delete it after viewing but sweetie this world is nothing like we imagined. The worst thing happens here all the time and trusts me you don’t want such things to happen to you. So be careful, think twice before sharing something on the internet.
Because even if you had deleted it from your chat, It will be stored somewhere. So you can’t trust WhatsApp’s “delete message for everyone” feature too, whether you delete it or not, once you hit that send button it’s going to store on the server, no matter what. You can’t trust anybody in today’s world, especially the internet.
Don’t send a sext just because someone has asked you or pressurized you to do so.
What should you do if someone asks you to sext them?
Here the answer, say NO. Tell that person it’s not a good idea to share something so private and personal over the internet. And most importantly tell them that you are not comfortable. And if after your declining they keep on insisting then sweetie here’s your signal that it’s time to change your company.
Now you won’t send a sext right but,
What if someone sends you a sext and makes you feel uncomfortable?
Firstly don’t delete it because you are scared and panicking. It’s not your fault so don’t be scared and tell your trustworthy adult that can be either your parents or your elder siblings or any adult that you trust, and ask them for help. Don’t tell anyone else except an adult you trust.
And more importantly, don’t forward or send it to anyone else, remember it’s illegal to share and forward such messages. okay?
Why should you discuss sexting with your child?
Being a parent firstly it’s important for you to make your child feel comfortable around you. If you are giving them a smartphone you should tell them how to keep them safe online. You can’t just go to your child’s room and say “hey kid listen, don’t do sexting it’s not good for you”.
These days teenagers don’t listen to anyone. The problem with teenagers is that if you told them not to do something then they will do exactly the same thing so You cant directly say no to your kids.
You have to let them know all the consequences and keep the conversation polite and informative instead of making it sound like a lecture.
If your child ever tells you they been sexting then don’t start scolding them. Discuss it with them, ask what happened whether someone pressurized them or bully them. Try to solve the problem calmly.
At last, I like to say yes Sexting may sound fascinating to you teenagers but it sure does have a lot of risks, and the only way to protect yourself from it be careful so don’t engage in such activities carelessly. And, Don’t forget you can avoid all this problem by just saying a big NO. Sometimes “No” is the answer you are looking for.
