Digital Betrayal: How Snapchat and Instagram Sexting Plunge Minors into Darkness

Sending a sexually explicit message or photo may seem like a harmless fun activity, but for minors, it can lead to serious legal and emotional consequences. According to a survey conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Centre, 15% of teens have sent a sexually explicit message, and 22% have received one.

The rise of social media platforms has given young people a new way to explore and express their sexuality through sexting. However, this dangerous practice can have serious legal, emotional, and social consequences, especially for minors. In this article, we will explore the risks of sexting on Instagram and Snapchat and suggest ways to protect our young generation from the fallout.

The Dangers of Sexting on Instagram and Snapchat

The virtual world has expanded beyond the boundaries of the physical world, and young people have pushed the limits by sharing personal information in the form of texts, photos, and videos with both friends and strangers on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. While the 21st-century internet has provided us with liberty, it also comes with the responsibility of handling it maturely. Unfortunately, not everyone is capable of doing so, and minors, in particular, can easily fall prey to the dangers of sexting.

Legal Repercussions

Minors who engage in sexting are often unaware that sharing explicit content in the form of texts, photos, and videos is illegal for underage individuals. According to a study by the Crimes Against Children Research Centre at the University of New Hampshire, approximately 15% of teenagers have sent sexually explicit messages or images of themselves to others, and one-third of those who have sent such messages have sent them to people they have never met.

Sexting is not defined or addressed by any law in India. But it may attract the following provisions Section 67B deals with severe penalties for sharing child pornography electronically. In India, Under Section 14 of the POCSO Act, 2012 whoever uses a child or children for pornographic purposes shall be punished with imprisonment of either description which may extend to five years and shall be liable to fine.

Furthermore, adults who engage in sexting with minors can face criminal charges for child sexual exploitation, possession of child pornography, and other related offences.

Emotional Repercussions

The emotional impact of sexting can be particularly devastating for minors. If explicit photos or messages are leaked, the individual can be subjected to cyberbullying or harassment, leading to long-lasting emotional scars. In some cases, these emotional consequences can lead to clinical problems like depression, suicidal thoughts, and generalized anxiety disorder. Even if the images or messages are shared without consent, this can lead to trust issues and damage personal and platonic relationships. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, sexting among adolescents is associated with a greater likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviors and experiencing sexual coercion.

Cyberbullying and Harassment

Sexting can make minors vulnerable to cyberbullying and harassment, especially if the content is shared without their consent. In such cases, the emotional impact can be severe, and the victim may feel ashamed, embarrassed, and humiliated. This can lead to further bullying and harassment, making it difficult for the victim to escape the situation. A study by the Cyberbullying Research Centre found that 12% of teens have reported being threatened or harassed online due to sexting, and 5% have reported being pressured to send sexual content.

Increased Risk of Sexual Exploitation

Once a message or image is sent, it can be forwarded to unintended recipients, which can have severe consequences. For instance, images or videos can be shared online without the sender’s consent, which can lead to humiliation and negative social consequences. Hence, minors who engage in sexting are at an increased risk of sexual exploitation, both online and in the real world. Paedophiles can easily exploit these vulnerable individuals, and the consequences can be severe. A study by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children found that 40% of young people who had sent explicit images reported that those images had been shared without their consent.

Damage to Online Reputation

In the digital age, online reputation is as important as the offline reputation of an individual. Whether it is higher education or a professional career, everyone does background verification before on boarding. In the case of sexting, it can be very difficult to apply for higher education or even get employed in a reputable organisation. According to a study by the Cyberbullying Research Centre, 24% of teens who have sent or received explicit content reported negative consequences in their academic or professional lives.

Possible Causes Why Minors Indulge in Sexting

Understanding the underlying causes of minors engaging in sexting can help address the issue effectively. While the algorithm of Instagram and Snapchat may contribute to the exposure of explicit content, there are other factors at play as well:

· Not So Diversified Social Group

Having a limited social group can also be a reason for minors indulging in sexting. When individuals are surrounded by the same type of content, it can create a monotonous timeline that lacks diversity. This lack of exposure to different perspectives and interests may contribute to curiosity and experimentation with sexting.

· Peer Pressure

Adolescents may feel pressured by their peers to engage in sexting behavior as a way to fit in or gain popularity. The fear of being left out or being judged by peers can push young individuals to participate in activities they may not fully understand the consequences of.

· Lack of Awareness

Some adolescents may not fully understand the potential risks and consequences of sexting, such as the possibility of the images being shared without their consent or the potential legal consequences. Lack of comprehensive sex education or guidance from adults can leave minors unaware of the potential dangers involved.

· Sexual Curiosity

Adolescents are naturally curious about sex and sexuality, and sexting may be seen as a way to explore their sexual interests. The ease of access to explicit content online and the influence of media can contribute to heightened curiosity and experimentation.

· Attention-Seeking Behaviour

Some adolescents may engage in sexting as a way to seek attention or validation from others. In a hyper connected world where social validation plays a significant role, young individuals may turn to sexting as a means of gaining attention or feeling desired.

· Coercion

Unfortunately, some adolescents may be coerced or pressured into sexting by their partners or others. Manipulative individuals may exploit vulnerabilities and use emotional tactics to convince minors to engage in sexting, creating an unhealthy power dynamic.

How to Help yourself?

Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI): CCRI is a nonprofit organisation that offers resources and support for individuals who have experienced non-consensual image sharing, also known as “revenge porn.” They provide guidance on how to take legal action, remove explicit content from the internet, and cope with the emotional aftermath.

Childline India Foundation: Childline India Foundation is a helpline dedicated to protecting children’s rights and well-being. Minors in India facing issues related to sexting can reach out to Childline for assistance.

Helpline: 1098

How to Save Our Young Generation?

Preventing underage sexting requires a multi-faceted approach that involves parents, educators, and policymakers. Let’s explore some ways to protect our young generation from the risks of sexting:

Discuss the Permanence of Digital Content: Help your child understand that anything shared online, including sexts or explicit content, can be permanent and may have long-term consequences. Remind them that even if they delete something, it can still be retrieved or shared by others.

Role of Parental Control Tools: Parents can take an active role in protecting their children by monitoring their online activity, setting boundaries, discussing the potential risks and consequences of sexting, and utilizing parental control tools. Tools such as

can help parents limit their child’s access to certain content and applications, track their online activity, and set time limits for device usage. By combining these strategies, parents can help reduce the risk of their children engaging in sexting behaviours.

Role of Digital Parenting

Digital parenting plays a crucial role in guiding children to have a healthy and responsible digital experience. Parents should impart digital Sanskar to their children, which includes teaching them to capitalise on online opportunities, while staying away from threats and dangers of the online world.

Teach Responsible Digital Citizenship:

Instil the values of responsible digital citizenship in your child. Teach them about empathy, respect, and the importance of considering the consequences of their actions online. Encourage them to be mindful of their digital footprint and how it can impact their future.

Highlight the Importance of Consent: Teach your child about the significance of consent in any form of communication, online or offline. Emphasise that sharing explicit content without someone’s consent is not only disrespectful but also illegal.

Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear rules and boundaries regarding internet usage and device access. Discuss what kind of content is appropriate to share and what is not, and the consequences of breaking these rules.

Educate on Privacy and Online Safety: Teach your child about the importance of privacy and the potential risks of sharing personal information online. Help them understand the significance of maintaining control over their own digital identity and the potential consequences of sharing explicit content.

Open and Honest Communication

Establish an environment of trust and open communication with your child. Talk to them about the potential dangers of sexting, including the legal and emotional consequences. Encourage them to approach you if they have any concerns or questions.

Foster the growing importance of Internet Maturity: Help your child develop internet maturity by guiding them to make responsible choices online. Teach them critical thinking skills, how to verify information, and how to recognize and handle inappropriate or harmful content. Encourage them to think before they share anything online.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, while social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram have revolutionised communication and connectivity, they have also introduced new risks, particularly in the realm of sexting. For minors, engaging in sexting can lead to serious legal, emotional, and social consequences. The consequences of such actions can have a lasting impact on their lives, affecting their mental health, personal relationships, and future prospects.

To protect our young generation, it is essential to raise awareness about the dangers of sexting and provide comprehensive sex education. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to promote responsible digital citizenship and teach minors about the importance of privacy, online safety, and responsible internet usage.

Empowering minors with the knowledge and understanding of the potential risks and consequences of sexting can help them make informed decisions and avoid falling into the darkness of digital betrayal.

FAQs

1. Is sexting always illegal?

While sexting itself may not be explicitly illegal in all jurisdictions, sending explicit content involving minors can lead to severe legal consequences, especially for adults involved in such activities with minors.

2. Can sexting lead to cyberbullying?

Yes, if explicit content is shared without consent, it can lead to cyberbullying and harassment, causing emotional distress to the individuals involved.

3. How can parents protect their children from sexting risks?

Parents can protect their children by maintaining open communication, setting boundaries, and utilising parental control tools to monitor their online activity.

4. Are there any long-term emotional consequences of sexting?

Yes, sexting can lead to long-lasting emotional scars, including depression, anxiety, and trust issues, particularly if the content is shared without consent.

5. What role does digital parenting play in preventing sexting?

Digital parenting is crucial in guiding children to have a responsible and safe digital experience. It involves teaching them about privacy, online safety, and responsible digital citizenship.