Training Provided to Students - Consequences of Sharing Sexual Content Material, Item 8.04

Sexting is the sending, receiving, or forwarding of sexually explicit messages or images, which occurs through text message, video, social media applications, email, webcam, or other avenues via the internet. Concerns regarding sexting began to emerge in the last decade as media and research began highlighting the possible long-term consequences.

Although sexting may appear harmless when it occurs between two consenting adults, it can result in serious criminal charges when it involves minors. Texas law identifies this activity as electronically transmitting sexual depictions of children. As technology has evolved, it has also become apparent that bullying and harassment can be both a cause and an effect of sexting.

It is against the law for anyone, including a minor, to send a sexually explicit or suggestive image of someone under 18 years of age. This includes images of the sender, recipient, or another minor child.

Sexting is a Safety Issue

Revenge Porn

Once photos and videos are shared with another person or posted online, they often spread beyond the intended recipient. Images and videos can be forwarded or posted as revenge, including after a breakup, perceived rejection or offense, bullying, blackmail, or an effort to increase the status of the person sharing the material.

These images or videos can end up online and remain accessible long after the original post or message. Texas law addresses revenge porn and other unlawful disclosure of intimate images.

Sextortion

Images can be obtained in several ways, including hacked cloud accounts or webcams, images shared by a boyfriend or girlfriend, or images distributed without permission.

Once videos or images are obtained, they can be used to manipulate or coerce the person in the image or the person who took the image. An offender may demand additional images, money, sexual activity, or other actions. Young people should never respond to threats by sending more images or money. They should seek help from a parent, school official, law enforcement officer, or another trusted adult.

It's Against the Law

It is critical that parents speak with their children, using age and developmentally appropriate language, about not taking, posting, requesting, possessing, forwarding, or sharing sexual images or videos of themselves or others.

Texas law addresses conduct, including:

• Soliciting a minor online for sexual contact or sexual communication.
• Pretending to be someone else online, without consent, with the intent to harm or threaten that person.
• A minor engaging in, promoting, possessing, sending, or sharing certain sexual images involving another minor.
• Sending electronic visual material showing a person engaging in sexual conduct or exposing intimate parts when the material was not requested or consented to by the recipient.

Understanding the Risks and Legal Implications of Sexting

Sexting, which involves sending or receiving sexually explicit content through text, social media, or other online platforms, has become a growing concern, especially among minors. While it may seem harmless to some, it can have serious and lasting consequences.

In Texas, sexting involving minors is illegal and can lead to criminal charges. This includes situations where a minor sends, receives, or forwards sexually explicit images of themselves or others under 18. Beyond legal risks, sexting can contribute to bullying, harassment, emotional distress, blackmail, sextortion, loss of privacy, and other long-term consequences.

Possible consequences include:

• Criminal and legal consequences.
• Bullying and cyberbullying.
• Harassment.
• Blackmail and sextortion.
• Loss of privacy.
• Damage to relationships and reputation.
• Emotional distress.
• School disciplinary consequences when applicable.
• Images remain accessible online long after they were originally shared.

Information for Parents and Families

To help parents understand these risks and support their children, Fort Stockton ISD encourages families to review the Parents Guide to School Safety Toolkit: Sexting from the Texas School Safety Center.

This resource provides information and practical guidance for discussing sexting, digital safety, privacy, healthy relationships, and the consequences of sharing sexual content.