Teenagers Sexting and Revenge Porn

I don't imagine all teenagers are up to this malarkey but I'm sure there are quite a few who are - unfortunately.

The problem is, they are too young to realise the extent to which they are exposing themselves (sorry for the use of the word but it is applicable) to unscrupulous people and possible ridicule; if it surfaces in the future, it could cost them their jobs.

I don't know what the solution is (both of my GDs had part-time jobs from the age of 15 so were quite able to save up and buy their own smartphones, which is exactly what they did) other than to try and warn young people this is seriously not a good idea.

Older women should know better. I had one boyfriend who wanted to take photos and the (short) conversation went like this:

Him: can I take some photos of you
Me: No
Him: why not, it's only a bit of fun
Me: I said no, I'm not comfortable with that
Him: it's only so I can see you when we're not together
Me: you sound like a pervert
Him: prude
Me: and proud

(not verbatim but that's the jist of it)

End of relationship.

It is a fact of life, which should be explained to young people, that many, perhaps even most, men like to look at pictures of naked women, which maythen, of course, become public. Girls and even adult women may find this flattering, but how many women like looking at pictures of naked men? I don't think I have ever met one.

Speak for yourself Absent.

Depends on the naked man, if you get my drift Absent!!

twice

It's ridiculous that the law, apparently, actually outlaws kids exchanging these pictures. But there are risks involved (teens can be in love one minute, changed their minds the next). And it could well get unpleasant if the pictures are sent on.

It's a worrying thing all round and parents should be aware and, hopefully, talk to their children.

I don't agree it's necessarily a man thing. Girls can be bullies too.

'Sexting' photoes of naked children/teenagers is an offence under the Protection of Children Act. Children should be made aware of this. If they do it as an act of revenge or to share around as a form of abuse, sex offence legislation can be used to prosecute them. Harassment and Telecommunications Acts also cover unwanted behaviour like this when it is being repeated. According to Mark Williams-Thomas, the specific act of 'sexting' has been mooted as a new form of abuse that needs adding to the legislation to make this clearer.

Sorry, should have added that for adult women subjected to 'revenge porn' (Jess's point) there is legislation that they can call on - it's the same offence that covers harassment with abusive texts.

Looking at your very own naked man (or even someone else's if you've borrowed him) in the throes of passion, rather than when he's dancing vigorously around with only his socks on, is one thing; going out of your way to look at pictures of naked strangers is something else. How many gransnetters buy magazines with pictures of naked men? Few, if any, would be my guess. And I would suggest that audiences of screaming women at male stripper shows has more to do with the women wanting to show off in a "what am I like?" kind of way than a compulsive desire to view the male body.

Just for your information, Mr absent does not dance - with or without socks.

absent

A female friend of mine used to like going to see the Chippendales with another group of her friends (not my scene at all) and I asked her why does she go? She said it's because it's such a laugh. You laugh when they come on stage! Yes, she replied, everyone does. Not what you see on tv when men are ogling female dancers!

That is interesting when - you are of course more knowledgable than the Economist journalist - did you see the article?

Didn't see it, Jess. Not many people realise that harrassment covers a range of behaviours including by letter, phone, text, social media and suchlike.