If you receive any sexts, do not share them with any of your friends. Doing this can get you in even more trouble. Do not be terrified and let this stop you from notifying an adult. You will not automatically go to jail or get in trouble for receiving sexts, but you should be aware that this is very serious.
Before you send the message, ask yourself, “Would I be fine with everyone seeing this?” If you do not want your parents, friends, family, future employer, or college admissions officer to see the message, you probably do not want to send it. Do not give into pressure to send messages to a person, even if you care about the person. Ignore their requests or just block them.
Deleting the picture immediately can keep you and any person you show the picture to out of legal trouble. If you show your teacher or parent the picture, both of you could be charged with child pornography. You can always tell an adult that you received a picture and that you deleted it.
If you talk to an authority figure (e. g. teacher, counselor, police officer, etc. ) the law may require that your situation is reported to the authorities. [6] X Research source You can get some anonymous advice by contacting Lifeline Crisis Chat (an online service)[7] X Research source or calling the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. You can only use the Kids Help Phone if you are 20 years old or younger. [8] X Research source
To use the Android messaging app, tap and hold the text message from the person you want to block. Your phone will then ask you if you want to “delete the message” or “add to spam. " Choose “add to spam” to stop receiving messages. You can also download a blocking app from the Google Play Store to help you manage your texts. If none of those options work for you, you can call or go to your phone carrier’s website to add numbers to your block list.
If you need to block a number that is not saved in your contacts, you can block the person by going to the text message directly. Choose “details” in the top right corner of your phone. Press the “details” button and then tap the “i” icon. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and press “Block this Caller. " These methods will work for an iPhone, iPad, or iPhone touch.
You may able to block a number on your phone without going through your phone carrier, but this varies by device.
Blocking the person is helpful for both you and the other person. You do not have to see any of the messages, and you will not be tempted to respond to any of them. It is up to you if you want to let the person know that you are blocking them.
The way you handle a person using sexting to blackmail you will be different than telling your partner or friend that their text messages simply make you uncomfortable.
Do you not like receiving the messages at all? Tell the person to stop. Are the messages too vulgar and you would like something more discreet? Let the person know you prefer sweeter or more coded language. How the messages make you feel will also determine how you handle the situation.
Talk to someone who you can trust to help you handle the situation. This may be a friend, family member, teacher, or school counselor. You could also write down what you plan to say or stand in front of the mirror and practice.
Tell the person, “Hey, I’m not really into sexting,” or “Sexting makes me really uncomfortable. I would rather you not send me messages like that. " For a love interest, it can help to explain that you believe that intimacy should only be a face-to-face thing and that sexting feels sneaky, unreal and smutty to you. You could also add that texting is no replacement for talking and that you just don’t appreciate sexting as a substitute for direct talk.
You can tell the person to stop because maybe they just have the wrong idea. You can also go the human resources department at your job and report this because this is considered sexual harassment.
It is best not to engage or respond to a stranger. Do not ask who it is or how the person got your contact information. Engaging with an unknown person on any level may encourage them to continue. Sometimes a person you dislike has your number. Just block them because they are probably sexting you to get on your nerves and bother you.
You could return the text or Facebook message by saying something like “Gross, no thank you!” or “My mom (spouse, kids, etc. ) reads my messages, so you probably shouldn’t send me stuff like this. ” If that doesn’t work, tell them in person or over the phone that sexting makes you uncomfortable and to stop doing it. If all else fails, you may have to block your friend until the message is clear.
Even if you have sexted with the person in the past, you always have the right to change your mind and stop sexting. Do not feel guilty if you no longer want to participate. Don’t play along if you don’t want to communicate with the person in this manner. Being forthright about your preferences at the outset of the start of sexting is best.
Talking to your parents can be difficult and embarrassing, but remember that they love you and want the best for you. Be honest and do not hide any of the details.
Always tell the truth when you talk to law enforcement. They need to know about any messages you responded to or any explicit photos that you may have sent.
Call or visit the website of the National Organization for Victim Assistance. The phone number is 1-800-879-6682. [17] X Research source
