Sexting – 4 Things You May Not Have Thought About

We live in a digital age of being constantly connected. We snap a picture of the giant piece of pizza we’re about to eat and Instagram it with a cute hashtag before we dig in. Going to a concert? We live-Tweet the experience or Snap our friends snippets of our favorite songs. Getting a haircut or manicure? We text our group-chat pictures each step of the way. We may even ask them to help pick out the manicure color, based on the pics we send. Because it’s second-nature to snap and text a pic of everything, it’s no surprise that approximately 1 in 7 teenagers reports sending sex-texts (sexts) and about 1 in 4 teens report receiving sexts.

So if that many people are doing it, what’s the big deal?

Here are 4 things you may not have thought about sexting, but you might want to consider —

Once you hit send, you lose all control. You might think you can trust this person now, but people can be fickle. What happens if he gets angry with you tomorrow or next week or next month? Or what if you become unhappy in the relationship and want to break up, but he has these pictures of you that you don’t want just anyone looking at? Even if you Snapchat a picture and assume it will vaporize after the person looks at it, he can screenshot it or use another phone to take a picture of your picture on his screen. Bottom line – once you send the picture to someone else, you’re at that person’s mercy forever.
Sexts can be used by cyberbullies. Once nude or sexually explicit pictures leave your control, you don’t know how they’ll be used. Someone could use the pictures to bully you or slut-shame you, spreading rumors about you around school – or even spreading the photo around school or posting it to social media. Or someone could try to blackmail you with the pictures, threatening to post it online or show it to others if you don’t do what he or she says. Again – once you hit send, you’re at the mercy of anyone who gets his or her hands on that picture.
Sexting can open the door for sexual predators. Maybe someone will blackmail you into doing sexual acts to keep the pictures secret. Or maybe someone will post the sext to a porn website. Or maybe someone will sell the image to a child porn collector. Once the picture leaves your control, you just don’t know what will happen or how you could be sexually exploited.
If you’re under age 18, sexting is probably illegal. Of all the ways sexting could ruin your life, catching child porn charges and having to register as a sex offender is maybe the biggest reason to think twice. Nude or even partially nude pictures of anyone under age 18 constitutes child pornography. The laws are different from state to state, but in some states any person who shares any nude or partially nude images of a minor can be charged with disseminating child porn and anyone who receives those images can be charged with possession of child porn — even if those images are taken and shared with consent or even if that person didn’t ask for the images. Some teens have been charged with disseminating or possessing child porn even if the images were of themselves! These charges could mean fines, strict probation, time in a juvenile detention facility or even jail time, and they could require you to register as a sex offender, which has a whole set of far-reaching consequences of its own (for example, many colleges won’t allow registered sex offenders to enroll in on-campus classes). It could mean having a felony on your record, which affects your job opportunities and whether or not you can vote and where you’re allowed to live. And if you text images to someone in another state, that could mean charges in multiple states. Sexting is a big deal for anyone, but it’s a much bigger deal when anyone involved is under age 18.

So what if someone asks you to send a nude selfie?

This is tough, and it might be really awkward. It could even end a relationship. But you have the right to protect your boundaries. If anyone pressures you to do anything you don’t want to, that is an unhealthy relationship. Ask for help from a trusted friend or adult. You definitely don’t want to do anything illegal and jeopardize your own future.

And what if someone sends you a naked pic? What should you do?

First, understand that if the picture is of someone younger than 18 and if you tell an adult, there will probably be an investigation and the police will probably get involved. So if the picture is from a friend or boyfriend or girlfriend, you might want to delete the picture completely from your phone. Don’t show anyone. Don’t forward the photo. Don’t keep the photo. And tell the person who sent it that you don’t want any more pictures like that because you don’t want to catch any charges. If the person doesn’t respect your boundaries, then you will need to get an adult involved.

If a friend or classmate sends you a nude picture of someone else, then that’s a different story. First, delete the picture completely from your phone. Then, tell the person who sent it that it’s not cool (or legal) to share nude pictures of other people. Then, tell an adult you trust about the incident and that you think someone might be being cyberbullied.

If there is an investigation and anyone asks if you received the images, be honest and explain that you deleted the pictures immediately. Your cell phone records may be requested, but a search of the records and your phone will confirm that you deleted the pictures immediately. If you keep the pictures on your phone and don’t delete immediately, then you have been in possession of child porn and could be charged.

If someone you don’t know or an adult sends you nude pictures, keep the photos on your phone and immediately show an adult you trust. This is harassment and abuse, and you deserve to be protected from it. If you’re being harassed with unwanted text messages, you can block the person from contacting you — but if you’re not 18, be sure to tell an adult as well. You don’t have to handle this on your own.

Remember you lose any control of your privacy once you hit send. Before you share racy photos of yourself or before you receive racy photos of someone else, consider the risks and ask yourself if it’s really worth it.

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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.