Sexting in Context
Adolescents in puberty in particular want to discover their own sexuality, try themselves out and test how they come across to other people. First relationships are formed and first experiences are made together. These experiences also take place in the digital space using messengers or social networks. This also includes sending revealing pictures and videos – sexting.
In general, sexting is not a bad thing, but can rather be a proof of love, i.e. an attempt to impress a crush or boyfriend/girlfriend or to try out one’s own effect. The problem with sexting is rather the misuse of the images or videos by other people. The person whose images are used is the victim and is not to be condemned for the fact that such images of them exist at all.
Parental options for action
In principle, parents have the duty and the right to care for their minor child (Section 1626 (1) BGB). This fundamental parental care includes, among other things, the parents’ duty to educate their children (Section 1631 (1) BGB). As in any other area, parents must educate their children to use media responsibly. On the other hand, they must take into account the progressive independence of the child and therefore educate their children in an age-appropriate manner (Section 1626 (2) BGB).
It is therefore recommended that young people involved in sexting should also be treated as equals, that an atmosphere of trust should be created and that discussions should take place instead of unilaterally imposing bans. Parents can support their teenage children by addressing the phenomenon of sexting and offering their children advice.
There are a few things to consider before sending erotic content. There are also very specific practical tips for creating and sending erotic content that parents can give their young children. Dealing with received sexting images should also be addressed as part of parenting so that responsible behavior is learned.
Reporting Options
If an erotic content/nude photo of a person has been circulated without or against their will, action should be taken. It is best for minors to contact a trusted adult who can support them in the following steps.
On the one hand, the sender of the image should always be asked or requested to delete the image from all storage media. Furthermore, if the content is forwarded, the sender should try to recall these messages and thus limit the forwarding. If the image has appeared on a social network or other platform, you can contact the provider of this platform to have the content deleted there as well. Alternatively, you can file a complaint with a complaints office.
The online platform www.jugend.support also serves as a contact point for reports from young people. The service puts those seeking advice in touch with the right advice and complaints offices and provides them with information and tips for their problem. You can also file a criminal complaint with the police. This can also be done online. However, it is essential to secure the evidence, for example by taking screenshots. But beware: you can find out how to proceed safely in these cases, depending on the content, in our factsheet on the subject.
You should also consider taking civil action against the disseminator of the content in order to obtain an injunction and, if necessary, compensation. The best way to do this is to consult a lawyer.
More informationen on Sexting (examples)
For parents:
https://www.elternguide.online/2018/01/28/sexting/
https://www.elternguide.online/2019/04/16/flirten-und-dating-im-netz/
https://www.fsm.de/de/lexikon/sexting
https://www.klicksafe.de/themen/problematische-inhalte/sexting/
Nationwide telephone and free advice service: Children, young people and parents telephone: https://www.nummergegenkummer.de
For minors:
https://www.handysektor.de/sexting/
Nationwide telephone and free advice service: Children, young people and parents telephone: https://www.nummergegenkummer.de
