The basics
What is sexting?
Sexting is sending sexual or flirty messages, photos or videos by phone, messaging app or online. It can be anything from suggestive texts to explicit nudes or videos.
Where does the word sexting come from?
It's a blend of 'sex' and 'texting'. The word became widely used in the late 2000s as camera phones became common.
Is sexting normal?
Yes. Surveys consistently find that a large share of adults have sexted, and it's a common part of modern dating and long-term relationships.
Why do people sext?
To flirt, build anticipation before meeting, keep intimacy alive in long-distance relationships, explore fantasies safely, or simply because it's fun. See reasons for sexting.
Does sexting have to include photos?
No. Many people only sext with words, voice notes or emojis. Text-only sexting carries far less risk than sending images.
What is a nude?
A nude is a photo or video in which someone is naked or partly naked. A 'semi-nude' usually means underwear or partial nudity.
What is a dick pic?
Slang for a photo of a penis. Sending one to someone who hasn't asked for it is cyberflashing, which is a crime in the UK.
What does NSFW mean?
'Not safe for work'. It's used to flag sexual or explicit content.
Is sexting the same as cybersex?
They overlap. Sexting usually means sending messages or images, while cybersex often means a live, real-time sexual conversation or video call.
What is AI sexting?
Sexting with an AI chatbot or companion app, or using AI to create images. See AI sexting. Never use AI to create sexual images of real people without consent.
Is sexting healthy?
For consenting adults, it can be a positive part of a sex life and relationship. It becomes unhealthy when there is pressure, deception, secrecy that harms a partner, or a loss of control over images.
How common is sexting among older adults?
Common, and growing. People over 50 increasingly use dating apps and messaging. See our senior sexting guide.
Starting and etiquette
How do you start sexting?
Start with flirting rather than explicit messages, and build up gradually. Pay attention to how the other person responds, and ask before sending anything explicit. See how to start sexting.
How do I ask someone if they want to sext?
Simply and directly: 'I'm really enjoying this. Would you be into things getting a bit more flirty?' A clear yes means go ahead. Anything else means keep it friendly.
How many dates before sexting?
There's no rule. It depends on trust and mutual interest. Many people wait until they've met at least once and are sure the other person is genuine. See how many dates before sexting.
Should I send a nude first?
No. Never send explicit images first without being asked, as that's cyberflashing if they haven't agreed. Let the conversation and their consent lead.
What should I say when sexting?
Be yourself. Describe what you like about them, what you're imagining, and ask what they enjoy. Good sexting is a two-way conversation, not a monologue.
Is it OK to use emojis when sexting?
Yes. Many people use emojis like the aubergine, peach or water droplets as playful shorthand. See our sexting emoji guide.
What if I'm bad at sexting?
Everyone feels awkward at first. Go slowly, ask questions, and focus on what the other person enjoys. Honesty and enthusiasm matter more than perfect wording.
How do I stop a sexting conversation politely?
Be clear and kind: 'I'm going to stop there for tonight, but this was fun.' You never need to justify stopping.
Is it rude to not reply to a sext?
No. You never owe anyone a sexual reply. If you want to keep talking, change the subject. If not, it's fine to stop.
Can you sext with someone you haven't met?
Adults can, but it's the highest-risk situation for scams and sextortion. Video call first, and avoid sending identifiable images to someone you haven't met. See catfish and romance scams.
Consent and relationships
Does consent matter in sexting?
Yes, completely. Both people must want to take part, every time. Consent can be withdrawn at any point, and agreeing to messages isn't agreeing to images.
What counts as consent to receive a nude?
A clear yes to that kind of image, in that conversation, such as 'send me one' or 'yes please'. Being on a dating or sexting site, matching, or flirting is not consent to explicit images.
Can someone change their mind after sending a nude?
Yes. They can ask you to delete it, and you should. Sharing it would be a crime whether or not they've asked you to delete it.
Is sexting cheating?
It depends on the boundaries in your relationship. Many people consider sexting someone else to be cheating. See is sexting cheating?
Is it OK to pressure a partner into sexting?
No. Pressure, guilt-tripping or threats are never OK, and in the UK they can form part of controlling or coercive behaviour, which is a crime.
What should we agree before sexting?
What you're both comfortable with, whether faces are OK, how long images are kept, and that everything gets deleted if you split up. See the safe sexting guide.
Can I show my friends my partner's nudes if they won't find out?
No. Showing someone's intimate image to anyone without their consent is intimate image abuse, which is a crime in the UK and many other countries.
Is sexting good for long-distance relationships?
Many couples find it helps maintain intimacy. Agree boundaries, use a secure app, and remember that no image is completely risk-free.
What should I do with nudes after a breakup?
Delete them, including backups and cloud copies, and ask your ex to do the same. See sexting after a breakup.
Can sexting turn into a real relationship?
Yes. It can be one part of getting to know someone. But chemistry through messages doesn't always survive meeting in person, so keep perspective.
The law: general
Is sexting legal?
Between consenting adults, yes, in the UK and most other countries. It becomes illegal when anyone involved is under 18, the recipient didn't agree, or images are shared or threatened without consent. See sexting and the law.
What can't you send when sexting?
Images of anyone under 18, unsolicited explicit images, other people's images without consent, deepfakes of real people, threats, and extreme pornography. See what you can and can't send.
Is receiving a nude illegal?
Receiving an image of an adult isn't a crime. Keeping or forwarding an image of someone under 18 is, even if you didn't ask for it. Delete it and report it.
Is keeping nudes someone sent me illegal?
Not if they're an adult and sent them willingly. But you must not show or send them to anyone else, and you should delete them if asked.
Is it illegal to screenshot a nude?
Screenshotting an image an adult chose to send you isn't usually a crime in itself, but sharing it is. In England and Wales, capturing a 'view once' image without permission is becoming an offence under the Crime and Policing Act 2026.
What is revenge porn?
Sharing or threatening to share someone's intimate images without their consent. It's a crime in every country we cover, whatever the motive. See intimate image abuse.
Is threatening to share nudes illegal?
Yes. It's a specific crime in the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada and Australia, and a demand for money or more images is also blackmail.
What is cyberflashing?
Sending someone an unsolicited sexual image, usually of genitals. It's a specific crime across the UK. See cyberflashing explained.
Is making a deepfake nude illegal?
In England and Wales, creating one without consent has been illegal since February 2026. Sharing one is illegal in most countries we cover. See deepfakes.
Which country's law applies if we're in different countries?
Usually the law where each person is when they send or receive. Both countries' laws can apply. If in doubt, follow the stricter rules.
Can sexting get you on the sex offenders register?
Some offences can, including indecent images of children, and in the UK cyberflashing or image sharing for sexual gratification.
Is sexting at work illegal?
Not in itself, between consenting adults, but it may break your employer's rules. Sending explicit images to a colleague who didn't want them is cyberflashing or harassment.
The law: UK
Is sexting illegal in the UK?
No, not between consenting adults. See UK sexting laws for the full rules in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What is the age of consent for sexting in the UK?
For images, 18. The age of consent for sex is 16, but sexual images of anyone under 18 are illegal across the UK.
What's the penalty for cyberflashing in England?
Up to 2 years in prison under section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, plus possible sex offender notification.
What's the penalty for sharing nudes without consent in England?
Up to 6 months for the basic offence, or up to 2 years where there's intent to cause distress, sexual gratification, or a threat to share.
Is sexting law different in Scotland?
Yes. Scotland has its own laws, with cyberflashing covered since 2010 and image sharing carrying up to 5 years. See Scotland.
Is sexting law different in Northern Ireland?
Yes. Northern Ireland created cyberflashing and expanded image offences in 2022. See Northern Ireland.
What did the Online Safety Act change?
From January 2024, it created the cyberflashing offence and a broader intimate image offence in England and Wales, and made platforms tackle this content.
What does the Crime and Policing Act 2026 do?
It adds offences for taking intimate images without consent, capturing disappearing images, 'nudify' tools and strangulation pornography, and requires platforms to remove reported intimate images within 48 hours. Its provisions are being phased in.
Is extreme porn illegal to send in the UK?
Yes. Having or sending certain extreme pornographic images is illegal in the UK even between consenting adults.
Do I need a solicitor if I'm accused of a sexting offence?
Yes. If the police contact you about a sexting offence, get legal advice before giving an interview. You're entitled to free legal advice at the police station.
The law: other countries
Is sexting legal in Ireland?
Yes, between consenting adults. Coco's Law makes sharing intimate images without consent a crime, with up to 7 years in prison. See Ireland.
Is sexting legal in the US?
Yes, between adults. Images of under-18s are illegal under federal law, and the TAKE IT DOWN Act makes publishing non-consensual intimate images a federal crime. See USA.
Is sexting legal in Australia?
Yes, between adults. Sharing sexual material without consent, including deepfakes, is a federal crime with up to 6 or 7 years. See Australia.
Is sexting legal in Canada?
Yes, between adults. Distributing intimate images without consent carries up to 5 years, and since July 2026 this includes deepfakes. See Canada.
Is sexting legal in New Zealand?
Yes, between adults. Posting an intimate recording without consent is a crime under the Harmful Digital Communications Act. See New Zealand.
Is sexting legal in South Africa?
Yes, between adults. Sharing intimate images without consent is a crime under the Cybercrimes Act, with up to 3 years in prison. See South Africa.
What is the TAKE IT DOWN Act?
A US federal law from 2025 that criminalises publishing non-consensual intimate images, including AI fakes, and since May 2026 requires platforms to remove them within 48 hours.
Is it safe to sext while travelling abroad?
Local law applies to you, and some countries ban pornography or sex outside marriage entirely. In strict countries, don't sext while you're there.
Under-18s
Is it illegal to sext at 16?
Sending or having sexual images of anyone under 18 is illegal, even at 16 when sex itself is legal. Sexual messages without images are a grey area, but adults must never sext anyone under 18.
Will a teenager be arrested for sexting?
Rarely, for consensual sharing between young people of similar age. UK police usually use safeguarding approaches, such as 'Outcome 21', instead. Coercion, threats or malicious sharing are treated seriously.
What should I do if a nude of me is online and I'm under 18?
Use Childline's Report Remove (UK) or Take It Down (worldwide). They're free and confidential. See how to remove a nude.
What should I do if someone is pressuring me to send nudes?
Say no, stop replying if they keep pushing, block and report them, and tell someone you trust. See being pressured to send nudes.
What is Report Remove?
A free tool from Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation that helps under-18s in the UK get nude images of themselves removed from the internet, confidentially.
What should parents do if their child has sent a nude?
Stay calm, don't view or copy the image, find out what happened, use Report Remove, and report to CEOP if an adult or threats are involved. See the parent's guide.
What should a school do when nudes are shared?
Follow the UKCIS 'Sharing nudes and semi-nudes' guidance: report to the DSL, don't view or copy images, and refer to police when there are aggravating factors. See guidance for schools.
Is it illegal for an adult to sext a 16 or 17-year-old?
Sending or asking for sexual images of a 16 or 17-year-old is illegal, and sexual communication with under-16s is a separate offence. Adults must never sext anyone under 18.
Are teenagers targeted by sextortion?
Yes, especially boys aged 14 to 18. Criminal gangs pose as girls, get an image and demand money. Victims should not pay, and should tell someone and report to CEOP.
Is an AI-generated nude of a classmate illegal?
Yes. Sexual images of children are illegal whether they're real, edited or AI-generated, even if it's meant as a joke.
Safety and privacy
How do I sext safely?
Only sext with adults you trust, agree boundaries, use an encrypted app, keep your face and identifying features out of images, and check the recipient before you send. See the safe sexting guide.
Should I show my face in nudes?
It's safest not to. A face plus nudity is what blackmailers want most. Only include your face if you completely trust the person.
How do I hide my identity in nudes?
Crop out your face, cover tattoos and birthmarks, use a plain background, check reflections, and turn off photo location data. See protect your identity.
Can a photo reveal my location?
Yes. Photos can contain GPS coordinates in their metadata. Most messaging apps strip it, but sending as a file or by email often doesn't. Turn off camera location.
Where should I store intimate photos?
In a locked or hidden folder on your phone, not your main gallery, with cloud backup turned off for that folder, or delete them after viewing.
Do disappearing messages make sexting safe?
They reduce risk but don't remove it. Someone can still use a second phone to photograph the screen.
How can I tell if someone is a catfish?
They won't video call, their photos appear elsewhere online, they get sexual very fast, or they ask for money. See catfish and romance scams.
Is it safe to sext while drunk?
It's risky. Mistakes like sending to the wrong person, or sending things you'll regret, are far more likely. Save it for when you're sober.
Should I sext on a work phone?
No. Employers may monitor or access work devices, and it could breach your contract.
Can my phone be hacked to get my nudes?
It's possible. Use a strong passcode, two-factor authentication on your cloud accounts, and avoid third-party apps that ask for your login.
Are free sexting apps safe?
Not always. Some have weak security or sell data. Stick to well-known encrypted messaging apps, and be wary of apps that ask for unnecessary permissions.
How do I know if someone screenshotted my sext?
Snapchat, Instagram vanish mode and some view-once features alert you. Most apps don't. Assume anything you send could be saved.
Is it safe to sext on a dating site?
Dating sites are fine for flirting, but scammers often try to move you to WhatsApp, Telegram or Snapchat quickly. Be cautious when that happens.
What are the biggest sexting risks?
Images being shared without consent, sextortion, catfish scams, sending to the wrong person, and hacked accounts or cloud backups.
Apps and technology
What is the safest app for sexting?
Signal offers the strongest privacy. WhatsApp's view-once photos block screenshots. See apps compared.
Is WhatsApp safe for sexting?
It's end-to-end encrypted and view-once media can't be screenshotted, but check that your chat backups are encrypted and that photos don't auto-save to your gallery.
Is Snapchat safe for sexting?
Snaps disappear and you're alerted to screenshots, but Snapchat can't stop screen recording from another device, and saved Memories are stored in the cloud.
Is Telegram safe for sexting?
Only in 'Secret Chats'. Normal Telegram chats aren't end-to-end encrypted.
Is iMessage safe for sexting?
Messages between Apple devices are encrypted, but there are no disappearing messages, and iCloud backups may store your photos unless Advanced Data Protection is on.
What does end-to-end encryption mean?
Only you and the recipient can read the messages, not the app company or hackers in between. It doesn't stop the recipient saving them.
Can I unsend a sext?
Often, yes. WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger, Signal and Telegram let you delete or unsend, within time limits. See sent to the wrong person.
How do I stop strangers AirDropping me nudes?
On iPhone set AirDrop to 'Contacts Only' or off. On Android set Quick Share to 'Contacts' or 'Your devices'.
When things go wrong
Someone is threatening to share my nudes. What do I do?
Don't pay and don't send more. Stop replying but keep the evidence, report and block, use StopNCII.org, and report it to the police. See sextortion.
Should I pay a blackmailer?
No. Paying rarely ends it. Blackmailers who are paid usually come back for more.
My nudes have been posted online. How do I get them removed?
Collect evidence, use StopNCII.org (adults) or Report Remove / Take It Down (under 18), report to each site, and contact the Revenge Porn Helpline (UK). See if your images are shared.
What is StopNCII?
A free tool for adults that creates a digital fingerprint of your intimate image on your own device, so partner platforms can block it. The image isn't uploaded.
I sent a nude to the wrong person. What now?
Unsend it immediately if you can, send a short apology asking them to delete it, and don't send anything else. See sent to the wrong person.
Someone made a deepfake of me. What can I do?
Collect evidence, report it to the platform and search engines, use StopNCII, and contact the Revenge Porn Helpline or the police. See deepfakes.
My ex is threatening to share my photos. Is that a crime?
Yes. Threatening to share intimate images is a crime in its own right, and it may also be blackmail or controlling behaviour. See after a breakup.
Someone sent me an unsolicited nude. What should I do?
Don't reply. Screenshot the sender's details (unless they could be under 18), report and block, and report it to the police if you want to. See cyberflashing.
I received a nude of someone under 18. What should I do?
Don't save, screenshot or forward it. Report it to the platform and to CEOP or the police (UK), or NCMEC (US), then delete it.
Who can I talk to if I'm upset about a sexting situation?
In the UK, the Revenge Porn Helpline (0345 6000 459) or Samaritans (116 123). Under-18s can call Childline on 0800 1111. See the help directory.
Will the police take a sexting crime seriously?
Yes. Intimate image abuse, cyberflashing and sextortion are recognised crimes, and UK platforms now have legal duties to help. Take your evidence when you report.
Can I sue someone for sharing my nudes?
Often, yes. In the UK you may have claims for misuse of private information or harassment. In the US there's a federal civil claim, and many countries have similar remedies. Speak to a lawyer.
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Need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK), 112 (Ireland/EU), 911 (US/Canada) or 000 (Australia).
- Images shared or threatened (adults, UK): Revenge Porn Helpline, revengepornhelpline.org.uk or 0345 6000 459
- Stop images spreading (worldwide, adults): StopNCII.org
- Under 18: Childline's Report Remove tool at childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111. Outside the UK: Take It Down
- More countries and services: see our help and support directory