The Tühringen police warn of a trend on Facebook, because we as Mimikama have already covered it as an issue. It's about sexting!
Young people lounge in front of their smartphones, girls pose with deep necklines, boys show off their muscles - sexting is the name given to the trend of sending sometimes very revealing pictures of themselves via WhatsApp or Snapchat. The word is made up of “sex” and “texting” and describes sending your own erotic photos or videos using a computer or smartphone. As long as what is sent stays with the recipient, everything is fine. But what if the material spreads widely and ends up in the wrong hands?
This quickly becomes a case for the police and we investigate if crimes related to sexting are committed. This can range from teasing to cyberbullying and insults, to violating the art copyright law or violating the most personal area of life through taking pictures (§210a StGB). Attempts at blackmail are also conceivable, and those affected may even have suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Many feel safe in the belief that the messages on Snapchat are only visible to the recipient for a few seconds and then self-destruct. It is relatively easy to back up the images or videos you receive and then distribute them further. There are already apps for this, but even a simple screenshot can make a nude image available forever.
The prevention approach is the development of media literacy. Bans and finger-wagging are likely to have relatively little effect on the target group. Rather, the critical use of social media should be learned and trained.
Documenting your own feelings digitally is simply part of life for young people today - be it through emojis, selfies or revealing pictures. The aim should be to deal openly but sensitively with the topic of sexting in order to train awareness of the dangers.
Tips for teenagers
- Trust is the be-all and end-all
before sending. Ask yourself whether you can trust the recipient. What happens to your picture after an argument? - “Sexy or Slutty?”
The line between “sexy” and “cheap” is thin. Therefore, think about how your image will be received by the viewer. - Go with your gut feeling:
“If you love me, then you’ll do this for me!” Don’t let your partner pressure you. If this is the case, you should definitely not give in, because this is coercion and punishable by law. Go with your gut feeling and say “no!” - Do not forward sextings
If you receive erotic photos/videos, do not forward them under any circumstances and delete them from your smartphone. Otherwise you will be committing a criminal offense because you are violating the right to your own image of the person depicted. - Has it already gone wrong?
Pictures that were intended just for you and your loved one ended up in the wrong hands? Do you feel exposed and don't know what to do? Basically, you should talk to someone you trust about it immediately. Your parents will help you, but there is also the number to combat grief. Our colleagues will also help you if you suspect a crime.
Tips for parents
- Reflect on media images
Talk to your child about the currently prevailing media images. Encourage your child to question these and think about what the pictures convey. - Keep the recipient in mind
Talk to your child about how their photos/videos, text posts, etc. might affect other users. - Go with your gut feeling
Make it clear to your child that they should never take photos/videos of themselves if they feel uncomfortable. Saying no is then the only right thing to do. - Do not forward sextings
Make it clear to your child that they should not forward revealing photos of others. This is unfair and punishable. - Overcoming shame
If the relevant material falls into the wrong hands, then under no circumstances should you blame your child! It feels betrayed, exposed to the ridicule of others and vulnerable. It is important that you give your child the feeling that they can feel safe and understood with you. - Legal steps
If your child's sexting photos/videos fall into the wrong hands and are used improperly, report it.
However, keep in mind that it is very difficult to stop the uncontrolled distribution of the image. Further tips and information can be found at klicksafe , the EU initiative for more security on the internet
Source: Facebook / Thuringia Police
Article image: Shutterstock
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

