Did You Sext?

Did you 'sext'? Read on to find out what that is, whether or not you've done it, and what that could mean for you.

1. Did you send a selfie?

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2. Were you maybe a little bit naked?

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Congratulations, you sexted!

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Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages, photographs, or videos primarily between mobile phones (Wikipedia). Some states' laws also include any "electronic means," which includes computers and other digital devices.

3. Did you receive a sext?

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Lucky you! ... Maybe

4. Did you share it with your friends?

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5. Did you share it with the original owner's consent?

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If you did not get the original owner's consent, that could be considered a form of sexual harassment or cyberbullying, which is NOT cool.

6. Are you under 18?

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If you are a minor and sexted...

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Depending on the state that you live in, you can be charged with possession and/or distribution of child pornography, which can mean a fine, a misdemeanor, your parents can be held reliable, or you can even be required to register as a sex offender in your state.

Sex Offender! What?!

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Being a registered sex offender can have lifelong consequences, including social and emotional consequences due to the stigma of sexting and being a 'sex offender', and especially educational and career consequences due to your criminal record.

A 16 year-old sending someone a sexually explicit image of him/herself or of others should not be placed in the same category as child molesters. If you agree, you should bring it to the public's attention, such as write to your state legislators or to newspapers, and call for reform.

Calm down, every state's laws and legislations prohibit sexting to varying degrees

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So we encourage you to look up your state's policy and be informed. For example, Mobile Media Guard summarizes the laws regarding sexting in each state.

Ultimately, consent and reflection are the most important...

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We encourage you and all teens to learn about and contemplate the various consequences of sexting, think about what is and is not comfortable to you sexually, and remember that consent is important in both spreading and receiving sexts!