English
EspañolWhat is “sexting?”
Sexting refers to sending and receiving sexually explicit text messages, photos, or videos, mainly through a mobile device. These can be sent as a regular text message or through a mobile texting app.
Once a “sext” is sent, the image is out of your control. The person you send it to could share it with other people or post it to the internet without your consent. But remember, if someone shares your intimate images without your consent, is not your fault.
In many states, sharing an intimate image is illegal and you can report it to the police. You can learn more about this on our Abuse Involving Nude/Sexual Images page.
Is sexting against the law?
Sexting between consenting adults may not violate any laws. But many state laws that deal with sexting are different if a minor is involved. The laws will usually make it clear that sending sexually explicit images to a minor or keeping sexually explicit images of a minor that were sent by someone else is illegal.
If you are a minor, it may be against the law for anyone to send, keep, or share sexually explicit photos or videos of you. However, you should know that in some states, a minor who sends his/her own intimate image may even be violating the state’s child pornography laws or other related laws. You can find a list of states that have criminal sexting laws on cyberbullying.org.
You may not want to share sexual or explicit images with someone unless you have 100% trust that s/he will not send them to others. You should never be pressured or forced into sending personal images. Threatening or forcing you to do so may be illegal and there may be people who can help. You can discuss your options with a local victim service provider, attorney, or law enforcement officer. The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative has a confidential hotline where you can get more information.
What are some ways an abuser could use sexting?
Sexting can be consensual. It is not itself a sign of abuse. However, an abuser could use photos, videos, or messages shared through sexting to maintain power and control over you. For example, the abuser may later threaten to share these images or may actually share them with others. To learn more about laws on these topics, see our Abuse Involving Nude/Sexual Images page. If an abuser is threatening to post your images, there are tools that may be able to help you. StopNCII is a tool for adults and Take It Down is a tool for minors.
An abuser could also blackmail you once s/he gains access to images and messages shared through sexting. S/he may pressure or threaten you to continue to send photos, videos, or messages even if you do not want to. For more information on this type of blackmail, go to What is “sextortion”?
An abuser could also harass you by sexting after you asked him/her to stop. Sending unwanted sexual photos or videos is sometimes called “cyber flashing.” You may have legal options if someone is harassing you in this way. These could include reporting crimes to the police, filing for a restraining order, or suing the abuser.
