You might think, what's the harm in sending my boyfriend a sext? He's my boyfriend, after all. But the reality of sexting is that you never know what will happen with them after you hit send. Below we discuss the reasons why students should consider refraining from sexting, even if consensually with your partner.

What is a Sext?

Sexts are the fusion of sex and texting. Sexting is the act of sending sexual text messages to another person. Generally, sexts can be images, videos, or simply words. Additionally, the photos and videos do not have to involve complete nudity, they could be seminude or explicit in some other way.

Anyone of any age can sext. But teens and young adults tend to the be most likely individuals to send a sext. In fact, 1 in 7 teens between the ages of 12 and 17 have admitted to sending texts.

But who are they sending these sexts to? Most of the time, sexts are sent to dating partners, potential love interests, and, in some cases, complete strangers. There seems to be little forethought for students when sexting. Which is what makes it so problematic: you never know who might see the image or words after it is sent.

Sexts are Forever

When you send a sext is it out there in the ether forever. If you have a respectful recipient, you can expect them to keep the image to themselves. Unfortunately, many people find that their sexts have been weaponized against them.

Sexts can be used to embarrass and inflict harm on the sender long after their were originally sent. For example, if you send your boyfriend a nude image, but then you break up later, your boyfriend may take that as an opportunity to show the photo to his friends. And because you sent the sext to their phone, there is no way to recover it.

Getting in Trouble at School

So far, we have discussed sexting that is between consenting individuals. But what happens when you send an unwanted sext to another person? Sending unwanted sexts, like nude photos, an be considered cyber-flashing, which many schools consider a violation of the code of conduct. If you are accused of violating the code of conduct, you could be punished.

Title IX Charges

Students accused of sexting can be brought up on Title IX charges. Title IX is a federal regulation that prohibits discrimination based on gender and demands that federally funded schools follow certain standards when adjudicating such charges. Discrimination based on gender includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence, stalking, dating violence, rape, and sexual misconduct. If you are accused of a Title IX charge, you could be suspended or expelled from your school.

How an Attorney-Advisor Can Help

As you can see, sexting is never a good idea, especially if you are a teenager. There are far too many repercussions that will put your future at risk, and once the sext is out there, it cannot be taken back.

Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team have spent years helping students across the country who are facing similar situations as yourself. They understand the nuances of these types of cases and will work tirelessly to prevent you from being unnecessarily punished. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online. The Lento Law Firm can help.