Staying safe with sexting, texting and social media
Sexting and Texting
Sexting and texting intimate messages is common in modern relationships. Sexting is sending images, videos or messages that are sexual in nature, through an electronic device. When done with a trusted partner, sexting can be a form of intimacy that you both enjoy. Setting clear boundaries around sexting and texting is an important way of keeping you both safe and building trust.
However, when one partner pressures the other to send sexually explicit messages or images, or shares these with other people without their partner’s consent, the situation becomes unsafe and toxic.
New studies show that adolescent girls are increasingly being pressured to send sexual images and texts, and that technology makes it harder to refuse.
It’s harder to say no to someone’s requests when they can contact you at any time
It’s easier to be coerced into sending explicit material through a device than in person
When you receive a sexually explicit text, you may feel pressured to reciprocate
When you send a sexually explicit text to someone, they may assume that you want sexual activity face to face as well - this may not be the case and can lead to unwanted sexual experiences
Click here for more information about sex and healthy relationships.
Revenge Porn
Sometimes following a break up, one partner may share sexually explicit images and videos sent during the relationship, with other people or even publically online to shame and humiliate their partner. Just the threat of sharing such material can be used to blackmail a person. This type of blackmail or coercion may be used in domestic violence situations as a form of control.
It’s often said that nothing published on the internet is ever truly lost. This is true and it is very difficult to remove information once it’s gone online. Even images or videos on platforms like Instagram and Snap Chat may be captured via screen shots before being taken down. So think twice before you upload or send those images.
Staying Safe Online
There are steps to take if you are concerned. Firstly, if you and your partner want to engage in sexting or texting explicit material, start with some clear boundaries.
If you send your partner sexually explicit content, ask them to delete the text, image or video, and watch that they do.
If someone is sending you explicit texts that you don’t want to receive (even if you did in the past), then ask them to stop. If they don’t, send in a report to your phone service provider and block their number/account. Delete the messages and don’t forward them to anyone. If your text, image or video gets shared online:
For more on this issue, see the Kids Helpline
Social Media Safety
Staying safe on social media can be a minefield. There are so many different platforms and ways that your information can be found, used and exploited. If someone unwanted is following you online, it can be very draining not being able to escape them, even when you’re not physically near them.
There are ways to minimise your risk:
Adapted from e-Safety
Staying safe, protected and private on social media can relieve stress and help distance yourself from unwanted people. It may seem like a small step but it can make a big difference in your life.
For more information or to talk to someone, contact the Kids Helpline via WebChat or email, or phone: 1800 55 1800