Snapchat. iMessage. FB messenger. Insta. Facetime. Skype.
We’re so connected these days that if you want to send someone a nude pic of your privates, it’s just too easy. It raises some pretty big questions:
Like, what happens if someone shares your naked selfie with way more people than you originally intended? What’s legal and what’s not?
What do you do if someone’s pressuring you to send a naked selfie? And how do you stop people from sending you unwanted naked pics or videos?
We answer all these questions (and more!) in our video the Art of Safe Sexting, featuring Lucy, one of our favourite members of the local girl gang. Do yourself a favour and check it out.
To watch a HD version of this video, please click here.
– Transcript –
Text on screen: The art of safe sexting
Text on screen: Send me a pic? <3
We’ve all been in a situation like this or know someone who has. Sending a nude pic of yourself can be a fun and flirty thing to do. But before we get our kit off, let’s weigh up our options first, because when it comes to sexting, there can be some pretty big pros and cons. Hi, my name is Lucy, and today, we’re talking about the art of safe sexting.
Text on screen: What is sexting?
So when we talk about sexting, we probably all think of your stereotypical naked selfie, but it’s much more than that. A sext can be any kind of provocative message sent from someone’s phone or computer. It can be a pic, a recorded message, a video, anything like that. Usually, these kinds of things are made private, but accidents do happen, and sometimes something that was meant for only one person’s eyes, ends up being shared with a lot of people, which sucks.
Text on screen: Don’t blame yourself
If this happens to you or has happened to you, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault, but if you are thinking of sending a nude pic or video, before you do, make sure you are aware of some of the risks.
Sexting is legal in Australia, as long as it’s between two consenting adults, but if you’re under the age of 18, or receive a sext from someone under the age of 18, that’s considered child pornography, which is against the law. If you, or someone you know is found to have nude images or videos of underage people, there can be serious consequences. Anything from a police warning, to years of jail time, to ending up on the sex offender register. Different states have different laws, so to find out the deal in your state, check out www.lawstuff.org.au
Text on screen: Consent is sexy
Sexting is also against the law if it happens without someone’s consent. That means that nude videos or pics taken without a person’s knowledge are illegal. Harassing or constantly pressuring someone to send you a nude pic or video is also against the law.
Text on screen: Under pressure to sext?
Sexting usually happens between people who want to do it, however sometimes, there are situations where one person is making another person feel like they have to send them a sexy snap. If you’re feeling pressured to sext, that’s not right. You should never feel pressured to take part in any kind of sexual activity you don’t feel comfortable with.
Text on screen: Do what you feel is right
If someone’s guilt tripping you into sending a sexy snap, or making you feel like you have to to prove that you like them, ask yourself, is this person treating me with respect, and if I were to send a sexy snap, how likely are they to keep it private, a week, month, or even year from now?
Text on screen: Look after yourself and each other
If you’re the one asking for a sexy snap, before you do, try to see it from the other person’s perspective. By asking, are you making them feel uncomfortable or under pressure? If you’re not sure of the answer, or it feels a bit weird, it might be a sign that it’s not a good idea.
Text on screen: Unwanted sexts
If someone is sending you sexts without your consent, it’s harassment, which is also against the law. If it happens on your phone, contact your phone company to find out how to block them. And if it happens online, contact the website owner. If you’re still concerned, talk to an adult you trust, or the police.
Text on screen: Sexting done right
So if you do still wanna send a sexy snap, you’re over the age of 18 and you know your legal rights and responsibilities, then here’s a few tips for doing it right.
Text on screen: #1 Diamonds are forever (and so are your sexy snaps)
Before you send that sexy snap, think about how long you want that pic or video out there for. Once we send these things, we have little control over where they end up. Just look at what happened to JLaw and Rihanna. If it happened to them, it can happen to anyone. So for now, it might be better to just indulge in some flirty banter.
Text on screen: One word: Cropping
If you still wanna send a pic, try to crop out anything that makes it obvious that it’s you. So leave out your face, your favorite necklace and tattoos, so if you need to, you can deny that that image is you.
Text on screen: Don’t sext under the influence
Tip number 3, sexting is a sober activity. Drugs or alcohol can make us less inhibited and more likely to do things we usually wouldn’t do. Stay in control and do it sober.
Text on screen: Don’t share other ppl’s images or videos
If you send on any content in addition to potentially hurting someone’s feelings, you could face criminal charges. If you’re receiving unwanted sexts, and it’s making you feel uncomfortable, delete them. Ask the person to stop and if it continues, talk to an adult or the police.
Text on screen: Worried? Get help and advice
If you’re worried about an image you sent or someone’s putting the hard word on you to send a nude pic, talk to someone about it, like a school counselor or an adult you trust. The lawstuff website also has lots of info on your rights and the action you can take.
That’s it. Thanks for tuning in for another Rosie video. Make sure you check out our website at www.rosierespect.org.au and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our Youtube channel to keep up to date with all things Rosie. And if you wanna drop us a line, hit us up at [email protected]
Until next time.
Thanks for watching!
Video credits:
Directed, written and edited by Ally Oliver-Perham & Georgie Proud, with thanks to Tatum Street
Intro credits by Room3 Video Production Studio, with thanks to Northcote High School students
Presented by Lucie Cutting
Filmed by Breeana Dunbar
This video was made possible through a grant from the US Consulate General Melbourne.
Click here for a list of Support Services.
