What to Know About Sexting: Boundaries, Screenshots, and Digital Consent

Written By: Chikera Nnoli, Jazlyn Rodriguez, Makel Dandridge, and Ayin Lewis, Peer Educators
Edited By: Faith Dolan
October 10th, 2025

A Common Form of Communication

The shift from instances of face-to-face interactions towards online modes has significantly impacted how young adults approach intimate topics. Sexting, which includes sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, has garnered more attention over the years, primarily due to the growing number of online interactions, high usage of social media, and access to smartphones. According to WebMD (2023), seventy-five percent of young adults have engaged in sexting. Even the past few years have seen an increase in sexually explicit texts and images amongst young people (Jones, 2020). 

Here, we see the need for awareness of sexting and its implications regarding safety, emotions, and privacy (Davis, 2019). When having these conversations, it is also important for us to define ideas such as consent and boundaries, which help us understand all of the aspects involved in sexting. While sexting has become a popular form of intimacy among young people, it is important that awareness is spread on its consequences, clear boundaries are established among all involved parties, and explicit consent is given to ensure the protection of individuals from potential physical, emotional, and legal repercussions. 

Reasons and Risks 

There are a few different reasons a person may choose to sext. People may use sexting to flirt, express interest or affection, or to deepen their relationship. When romantic partners are in a long-distance situation or aren’t physically together, they can use sexting as a way to experience intimacy and stay connected.  As long as both people are clear on expectations, sexting can be done safely. However, without boundaries or consent, it can lead to people getting hurt. So, let’s think of how sexting can be harmful: 

1. When Someone Receives Unsolicited Images

A person may receive explicit photos or videos that they do not want to see. This can make a person uncomfortable and uncertain about what to do. In the case that you receive an unwanted sext, there are many ways to handle the situation. You can tell the person that you do not want to sext, ask them not to do it again, or create boundaries around asking for permission first. If you are uncomfortable with contacting them, or if the person doesn’t listen, you can report the message, block the number or username, and reach out to a support resource or safe person who can help you with the situation.  

2. When There Is Extortion or Exploitation

Sexts are sent with trust between people and are not intended to be shared outside of certain conversations. Extortion and exploitation occur when someone uses another person’s explicit photos as a means of exploiting, blackmailing, or humiliating the other person. Using a person’s explicit photos as a means of exploiting them is a violation of consent and against the law.  

3. When It Has a Negative Impact on a Relationship

When communication is not clear or sexting is not talked about ahead of time, it can make someone feel upset or uncomfortable. In addition, not respecting someone's boundaries can create conflict within the relationship.

4. When It Involves Legal Consequences

In some states, sexting is illegal for a person to partake in if they are under a certain age. Before sexting, check the laws in your own state.  

Digital communication is still new to us. It can be hard to determine how to respond or act during an emotionally complicated situation online. So how can we navigate relationships in the online world? We can use many of the same concepts that apply to real-world spaces. 

Digital and Real-World Boundaries 

Establishing clear boundaries between online and in-person interactions is essential for protecting your safety, privacy, and overall well-being in relationships. However, blurred lines often exist between digital and real-world boundaries. It is important to know that something being discussed over text does not imply permission for it to happen in person (RAIIN, 2025). Privacy concerns, such as oversharing, stalking, or harassment, can also arise through digital media.  

Consent must be obtained every time for any activity. A “yes” given over the phone or in the past does not imply consent in person. This also applies to consent for other instances of digital intimacy. Just like physical intimacy, consent is case-by-case! Healthy relationship management relies on open communication, honesty, and establishing boundaries both digitally and face-to-face. By learning to set digital boundaries and recognize the signs of a healthy relationship, we can move toward safe and positive sexual experiences for both partners, but how do we start these conversations? 

Having a Conversation About Sexting and Consent 

In digital interactions with a partner, having open and honest communication about consent helps build trust, prevent miscommunication, and promote a healthy relationship. Talking openly about your needs, wants, and comfort levels strengthens trust and ensures both partners feel respected and heard. Some people may prefer to only receive messages once they are home from work, and others may not want their photo to be saved on their partner's device. 

These clear guidelines, expectations, and boundaries aren't meant to discourage digital or long-distance intimacy; it’s about empowering both parties to engage safely. It’s important to discuss how each person feels about participating in or receiving digital content, such as sexting, and establishing boundaries together.  

Partners can agree on comfort levels like:  

• Only sending faceless photos  
• Deleting messages after a set time  
• Sending texts without photos or videos  
• Only receiving messages or photos during a certain time of day

Having these discussions helps prevent unwanted situations, such as feeling pressured to send pictures or engage in sexual activity online. With open, clear communication, you and your partner can have a respectful conversation about sexting and decide what feels safest and most comfortable for both of you.  

In addition, when deciding to sext, it is crucial that one navigates it with care and attention, as there are many risks, such as: 

1. Sharing Identifiable Content

When recording or photographing sexually explicit content, think of tattoos, distinct marks on the body (birthmarks, scars, etc.), or any other visual distinctions that might identify you, which might be dangerous if unwanted, outside parties see it!   

2.Receiving Unwanted Images

Online sexual harassment is experienced by roughly one in four people. This greatly highlights the need for consent and communication within virtual spaces! (Department of Homeland Security, 2025).   

3. Nonconsensual Distribution of Photos

Nonconsensual distribution of your photos, commonly known as revenge porn, can be a very distressing experience for the person whose photos are being shared (Reid, 2024). This is a form of sexual abuse that can cause someone to feel violated, anxious, ashamed, depressed, or panicked. If you ever find yourself in this situation, know that there are many resources on campus that can provide support for you. More information about Texas Tech's Title IX Office and the Texas Tech Student Counseling Center is available at the bottom of this page. 

With these risks in mind, it is important to communicate and discuss with your partner how to navigate online intimacy together, so that you both feel as comfortable and safe as possible!  However, if you ever find yourself needing extra support, know that help is always available.

Safe Sexting Tips 

Though it has risks, sexting can be done safely. Here are some ways to practice safety and intentionality when sexting. 

1. Always use consent!

Make sure consent is given before sexting. Some people are okay with some aspects of sexting, but not others. Have a conversation about what you are each okay with and what you are not okay with (WebMD, 2025). If you aren’t sure whether something is okay or not, ask first. Never send explicit photos or sexual messages without a person’s consent. 

2. Try not to share explicit photos that include identifying information.  

If you share an explicit photo, make sure that it does not show your face or any personally identifying information, like a specific tattoo. This protects you in the event that photos are shared outside of the private conversation in which you shared them. It is important to consider that if you share something and later regret doing so, it can be exceedingly difficult to permanently remove it from the internet. So, make sure that you are okay with whatever you send before you send it. 

3. Discuss with your partner how you both will ensure the privacy and safety of one another.  

Consider choosing whether you want to delete messages, or when you will do so. Agree on what you will both do with any photos or sext messages if you break up in the future. For instance, you may both agree that you will delete the photos and messages, regardless of what happens in the event of a breakup. It can feel awkward to have these conversations, but it is an important part of making a relationship a space that is safe for both people. 

4. Reach out to friends or support resources if you need help.

If you ever encounter a situation online that makes you uncomfortable, know that you have the option to report the message and block the sender. Receiving an unwanted message or being subject to abuse can be very emotionally distressing, so know that it is okay and normal to be upset. Remember, you can always reach out to support resources or confide in someone you trust.

5. Choose your platform intentionally. 

Different messaging platforms have different degrees of privacy settings, different terms of service, and different functions. Look into the platforms you are using before deciding to sext. Choose something that is safe, and make sure to use the privacy settings or functionalities that your chosen platform has. 

6. Know the laws where you live and the rules on your messaging platform.

In some states, there are laws about what kinds of sexually explicit messages can be sent and the ages of the individuals involved. Depending on the messaging platform you use to communicate digitally, it may be against the terms of service or server rules to send explicit messages. Always check your local laws and the rules on messaging platforms before choosing if and how you will sext. 

Conclusion 

When it comes to sexting, it is important to practice establishing and enforcing boundaries in both digital and real-world contexts. Setting clear lines and respecting the boundaries of others helps make both people in the relationship feel safe and valued. When having a conversation about consent, make sure both parties are on the same page when it comes to sexting and digital communication. A "yes” to one thing one time does not mean a “yes” to anything at a different time. That is why conversations about consent should be ongoing! We also discussed some helpful tips for safe sexting, should you choose to engage in digital sexual activities.  

Remember, if you are ever sent an explicit message that you don’t want to see or become subject to online sexual abuse, you can report the message, block the sender, and reach out to support resources. Now that you know more about consent and boundaries within digital contexts, you are prepared to make educated choices about how you choose to engage in digital communication.  

Resources  

Texas Tech Crisis Helpline
806.742.5555

Texas Tech Title IX  
806.742.7233 | titleix@ttu.edu | Doak Hall 129

Student Counseling Center
806.742.3674 | studentcounselingcenter@ttu.edu | Student Wellness Center 201

Student Mental Health Community
806.834.6717 |heather.frazier@ttu.edu | Weeks Hall 2nd floor

Student Health Services
806.742.2848 | studenthealthservices@ttuhsc.edu | Student Wellness Center 

Wellness Coaching  
806.742.2110 | rise@ttu.edu |Drane Hall 247

References

Department of Homeland Security. (2025). Know2protect. Know2Protect. 

Eaton, A. (2025).In defense of sexting. Psychology Today. 

Esafety Commission. (2025). Sexting and sending nudes. ESafety Commissioner. 

Kids Help Phone. (2025). Sexting basics: How to stay safe.  Kids Help Phone.

Morgan, K. (2023). Sexting: What it is and how to sext safely. WebMD. 

NSVRC. (2022). Practicing Digital Consent. National Sexual Violence Resource Center

RAINN. (2025). Consent 101: Respect, boundaries, and building trust.  Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

Reid, S. (2024).Dealing with revenge porn and “sextortion. HelpGuide.org. 

Vogels, E. (2020). Dating and Relationships in the Digital Age. Pew Research Center.  

Back to All Posts