SEXTING PREVENTION
22-percent of teenage girls and 18-percent of teenage boys have taken nude or semi-nude photos of themselves and sent them to someone or posted them online mostly to be “fun or flirtatious.” Most of those surveyed (73%) said they knew sending sexually suggestive content "can have serious negative consequences," yet 22% said it's "no big deal." -Survey Commissioned by National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com released Dec. 2008
Teens sending sexual images via cell phone or online IS a big deal, legally and emotionally.
SEXTING AND THE LAW
It is illegal to possess, distribute or manufacture pornography involving anyone less than 18 years of age. As a teen, you could be charged with a crime for sending, receiving, or creating a photo involving someone under 18 that looks sexually explicit or obscene.
If you are sent an image of someone under 18 that might be considered illegal, you should take your phone to a school official, parent, or to a law enforcement officer.
SEXTING AND YOUR SELF-WORTH
You deserve to be treated with respect. Honor your dignity by not engaging in behavior that could have negative consequences down the road. Remember that once you click “send” online or on a phone, you can not take the image back. Make sure that you are protecting your digital footprint and your emotional health by not sending images that you would consider embarrassing or hurtful down the road.
PREVENTION TIPS – Important ideas to remember
- Go back to the gut instinct. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t send it on.
- Do not give in to pressure where you are told you need to do something to “earn” love. Think twice, ask for advice, and when in doubt, realize it isn’t worth it.
- Digital communication is not anonymous. Nearly everything can be traced back to the source via cell phones or the Internet.
- No means No. When talking about sexual activity, sexting, or any sexual pressure, realize that “NO” is a complete sentence. Honor the word "no" and respect the boundaries of people you care about.