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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Do I Have to Tell My Partner I Want an Abortion?

January 23, 2026

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can bring up difficult questions, especially when it comes to your relationship. You may be wondering whether you are required to tell your partner you’re considering an abortion, or whether it’s okay to keep that information private. Fear of conflict, concern about pressure, or a desire to protect your emotional well-being can all play a role. These feelings are common, and it’s okay to take time to think through what feels safest and healthiest for you. Collage offers a confidential and non-judgmental space where you can discuss these concerns without pressure. Before making any decisions, we provide cost-free pregnancy services , including ultrasounds, to help you understand important details about your pregnancy. Our goal is to give you accurate medical information and the space you need to move forward with clarity. You’re welcome to schedule a private, confidential appointment to learn more when you feel ready. Understanding Your Autonomy In many states, adults are not legally required to tell a partner if they’re considering or planning an abortion. Medical decisions about your body are generally protected by privacy laws, meaning the decision is legally yours. Some exceptions exist, such as parental involvement laws for minors, but partner notification is typically not required for adults. Even when the law is clear, the emotional side of this decision can feel complicated. You may feel torn between maintaining privacy and wanting honesty in your relationship. There is no single “right” approach, only what best supports your well-being and circumstances. When Safety Is a Concern In some relationships, sharing your thoughts with a partner may lead to understanding or emotional support. In others, it may not feel safe. If you’re worried about pressure, manipulation, anger, or physical harm, prioritizing your safety is essential. You’re never obligated to share information that could put you at risk. If you feel unsafe or unsure, confidential help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-SAFE). Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Why Medical Information Matters Whether or not you involve your partner, having accurate medical information is an important step. An ultrasound can help confirm gestational age, pregnancy location, and whether the pregnancy is viable. These details matter for your health and can help you feel more grounded as you consider your next steps. You Are Not Alone At Collage, we offer a confidential, respectful environment where your voice and concerns are taken seriously. Our team provides pregnancy confirmation, emotional support, and space to think through your situation without pressure or judgment. You deserve time, clarity, and peace of mind as you decide what is right for your life. Connect with Collage to discuss your questions in a supportive and confidential setting. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

How to Handle Holiday Gatherings When You Haven’t Shared Your Pregnancy News Yet

December 17, 2025

Holiday gatherings often bring familiar traditions, questions, and expectations. But when you’re carrying the news of an unexpected pregnancy that you haven’t shared, the season may feel different this year. You might be participating in celebrations while quietly navigating thoughts and emotions that others cannot see. If you want clarity about your pregnancy or a private space to consider your next steps, Collage offers free services, including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and confidential consultations, to support your needs. Schedule your appointment today. Prepare Yourself, Not the Perfect Conversation You may not be ready to share your news, and that’s okay. What can help is preparing yourself: deciding on the topics you’re comfortable discussing, the questions you want to avoid, and the boundaries you want to set. This proactivity allows you to answer without feeling like you need to tell all and not overshare. Create Space Throughout the Gathering Instead of thinking about the whole event at once, break it into smaller, manageable moments. Emotional regulation becomes easier when you give yourself space to reset. Try: Stepping outside for a few breaths of fresh air Finding a quiet room for a brief pause Taking a short walk after a meal Giving yourself permission to excuse yourself from overwhelming conversations These small steps can help protect your peace. Remember that if at any point during the gathering you’re ready to go home, go ahead. Take care of yourself by calling it a day when necessary. Meet Your Basic Needs Early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue can be uncomfortable during gatherings. Come prepared to meet your own needs by bringing pregnancy nausea candy, snacks to settle your stomach, and a water bottle. Store these items in your purse, knowing they’re ready when you need them. You Don’t Have to Navigate This Season Alone If you want clarity before facing holiday conversations, Collage can help you understand your pregnancy and answer questions in a calm, confidential setting, which can make these boundaries easier to hold. Contact us whenever you’re ready to schedule a free appointment. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services .

I Don’t Want Another Abortion

November 11, 2025

Learning you’re unexpectedly pregnant can bring up complicated emotions, uncertainty, fear, or even exhaustion if you’ve faced this situation before. You may know that you don’t want another abortion, but still wonder what options exist for your future. At Collage, we provide free and confidential support so you can explore your choices in a compassionate environment. Whether you want to understand what parenting or adoption could look like or simply need someone to listen, you’re not alone. Schedule a free appointment today to learn how we can help. Exploring Parenting Parenting can feel like an enormous responsibility, especially if your finances, relationships, or housing situation are uncertain. Many women ask themselves: “Can I really do this on my own?” “Where will I find the help I need?” “What kind of future can I provide for my child?” These are real and valid questions. At Collage, we’ll help you identify the resources and support available in your community. From offering a warm, supportive presence as you explore this option to providing referrals for resources like housing or childcare support, we’ll ensure you’re not facing these challenges alone. Parenting can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. With encouragement, community connections, and the right information, you can feel more confident in providing a stable, nurturing environment for your child. Understanding Adoption If parenting doesn’t feel like the right fit for your current situation, adoption offers another path forward, one rooted in hope and love. You remain in control of the process, deciding how involved you wish to be in your child’s life. You can select from multiple adoption plans depending on your comfort level: Open adoption: Allows for ongoing communication and contact between you, your child, and the adoptive family. Semi-open adoption: Offers limited contact through a third party, maintaining privacy while keeping some connection. Closed adoption: Protects complete confidentiality with no exchange of identifying information. Financial support is available throughout the adoption process. You’ll never pay for legal or medical services related to adoption. Best of all, adoption agencies can help ensure your needs are met and your wishes are respected every step of the way. Adoption is not an easy decision, but for some women, it brings a sense of peace and purpose, knowing their child is loved and cared for in a stable environment. We can discuss this option with you and offer referrals to reputable agencies so you feel informed. Taking the Next Step Your situation is unique, and so is your decision. Whether you’re considering parenting or adoption or simply need time to process your feelings, Collage is here to provide information and encouragement. We’re available to answer questions, explain your options, and connect you with trusted community resources, all at no cost and in a confidential setting. Schedule your free appointment today to start finding clarity and peace of mind. FAQ: Is it normal to feel uncertain about my decision? Yes. Many women experience mixed emotions when facing an unexpected pregnancy. It’s okay to take time and talk through your options before deciding. What if I don’t think I can afford to parent? We can connect you with programs and community partners that provide material and emotional support, so you will feel more equipped to parent if you choose to. How does adoption work? You remain in control. You’ll choose the family and the level of contact and receive guidance from trusted professionals who handle the legal and practical aspects of the process. Are services at Collage really free? Yes. All services are completely free and confidential. Your privacy and comfort are our priority. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.