Sponsored ContentSexting - everyone does it, it’s not that bad. Isn’t that right?

RTL Today

You may have already noticed it: someone looking at his/her mobile phone, smiling, blushing and quickly checking that no-one else has seen his/her screen.

Update: 14.10.2020 09:26

While typing the answer, the person is smiling.

This person is maybe “sexting”. This means that he/she sends and receives sexually explicit messages being photographs or videos. The technical term for this consensual behaviour is called sexting.

Erotic messages, selfies (or Nudes, i.e. nude photographs) and videos are aimed to excite, impress, seduce, prove love and trust. There is something interesting to see and to read, by receiving an intimate message and to feel valued and loved. Sexting can boost one’s confidence and self-esteem - who doesn’t like to receive compliments?

The phenomenon of “sexting” can be found in all age groups: teenagers, young adults in their twenties as well as seniors. But what is its appeal? When is it allowed and when is it forbidden?

Sexting can become a problem. The risks involved as well as the Luxembourgish legislation require serious consideration before deciding to “sext”. Phone calls to the BEE SECURE Helpline as well as other KJT Services show how delicate sexting can become.

Minors in particular - meaning young people or adolescents who use the internet - should be aware that producing and sending nude photos or similar content is a criminal offence. They violate the law because even their own images are covered by the Penal Code under the heading “Representation of Sexual Abuse on Minors”.

The associated risks include sextortion, grooming, cyber-harassment and cybercrime.

• We speak of sextortion when sexual images are used for blackmail purposes, for example to demand more nude photos or even money by threatening to publish these images online.

• Grooming is a process by which an adult gains the trust of a minor, establishes a relationship with him/her - by often hiding their true age - with the purpose of sexual abuse. This includes explicit demand for nude photos.

• In the context of cyber-harassment, messages and images can be used (or misused) to embarass, insult, harm, tarnish or to make the person involved powerless.

• Cybercrime includes, for example, unauthorised sending, refusal to delete or uploading photos and videos without consent on social media. It can lead to problematic situations that can sometimes overwhelm adults and put a heavy burden on young people.

People who contact the BEE SECURE Helpline can receive informations on the risks. They will receive advice on what to do as a preventive measure. Callers can receive support if the situation worsens. Callers are often people who find themselves in situations that are perceived out of control. The subject that plays a major role in these cases are breach of trust, jealousy, grief, anger towards the author, shame, guilt, fear, helplessness. You feel betrayed, hurt and alone. Uncertainty eats away at you. You feel like there’s nothing you can do.

But that is WRONG! There is a lot you can do! Above all, don’t leave young people alone. Help them find someone to talk to. Talking about sexting and related negative experiences help

and leads to opportunities for action. This is also where the BEE SECURE Helpline comes in. Conversations are anonymous and confidential.

The BEE SECURE Helpline encourages people to actively take control of their lives.

The BEE SECURE Helpline’s trained counsellors support, guide and advise. If the situation is perceived as very stressful, then the path to professional advice may be suggested.

Other steps in sexting management may involve asking the other person to remove the content. If photos/videos appear online, you can report them on the corresponding platform. It is even possible to request the removal of Google Results. You are also supported by the Luxembourgish legal system, such as the right to suppress (GDPR) or the right to the image. If the photo/video shows a minor, you can also report this content via the BEE SECURE Stopline.

It goes without saying that anyone can go to the police - filing a complaint is a possibility, because the law has been broken. It is especially important for young people to have an adult confident who accompanies them on this journey.

Sexting - everyone does it, it’s not that bad. Isn’t that right?

Sometimes, it is serious. Because sexting carries significant risks and dangers. And anyone who ‘sexts’ should be aware of it, whether they send or receive photos/videos, regardless of their age.