Sexting is the shortened term for sex texting and involves sending sexually explicit messages or photos by text message or other electronic messaging system. Although sending sexually explicit messages or photos is generally legal between consenting adults (retransmitting them to others is not) it is a crime for adults or minors (under the age of 18, for example) to send indecent visual depictions (photos, videos, images) of themselves or others to minors. And it is a crime for minors to send indecent visual depictions of themselves to adults or to other minors.

These laws vary from state to state and violations may be prosecuted under statutes regarding the sending of obscene material to seduce a minor; distribution of harmful materials to a minor; distributing or displaying harmful or prurient material to a minor; child pornography laws; cyberstalking; revenge pornography; and harassment. Such laws may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or as a felony, depending on the state and the specific circumstances of the alleged violation. Violations of these laws have serious consequences for adults and for minors, including potential jail or prison time and required registration as a sex offender.

Criminal offenses related to sexting are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Mississippi, sexting laws prohibit the sending of sexually explicit messages and images to minors. It is illegal for adults to send indecent visual depictions to minors and for minors to send such material to adults or to other minors. These actions can be prosecuted under various statutes, such as those related to the distribution of obscene material, child exploitation, and cybercrimes. Mississippi Code Section 97-5-33 addresses the exploitation of children, which includes the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images of minors. Additionally, Section 97-29-3 prohibits the dissemination of obscene materials to individuals under the age of 18. Violations of these laws can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, with penalties that may include fines, imprisonment, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. The severity of the punishment typically depends on the specific circumstances of the case, such as the age of the parties involved and the nature of the material sent.