Sexting - meaning and definition
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Definition
Sexting is exchanging sexually suggestive messages, photos or videos, typically by phone or app.
At a glance
- Exchanging sexually suggestive messages, photos or videos by phone or app.
- Between consenting adults it can be a normal part of flirting.
- It is good practice to ask before sending anything explicit.
- Consent to receive an image is not consent to share it.
- Laws involving anyone under the legal age are often strict.
In detail
Between consenting adults, sexting can be a normal part of flirting and intimacy. Good practice includes asking before sending anything explicit, agreeing on privacy, and remembering that digital content can be saved, forwarded or leaked.
Consent to receive an image is not consent to share it with others. Laws on sexting involving anyone under the legal age are often strict and can apply even when young people share images of themselves; rules vary by country.
In a sentence
- They agreed some ground rules about sexting, like never saving photos.
- Our school talk explained the law on sexting for under-18s.
Where the word comes from
A blend of "sex" and "texting" that appeared in the mid-2000s as camera phones became common.
Not to be confused with
- Cyberflashing
Sending sexual images to someone who has not agreed to receive them is cyberflashing.
Common questions
Is sexting legal?
Between consenting adults it is generally legal, but sharing someone's images without consent is a crime in many places. Laws involving anyone under the legal age are often strict and can apply even when young people share images of themselves. Rules vary by country.
How can I sext more safely?
Ask before sending anything explicit, agree on privacy with your partner, and remember that digital content can be saved, forwarded or leaked. Some people avoid including their face or identifying details.