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 Nevada, sexting laws primarily address the creation, possession, and distribution of sexually explicit images by minors, which is considered a form of child pornography. Under Nevada law, it is illegal for anyone, adult or minor, to send sexually explicit material to a minor. Adults who engage in this behavior can be charged with crimes such as luring a minor, possession or distribution of child pornography, or using technology to seduce a minor. Minors who send explicit images of themselves or others, whether to adults or to other minors, can also face legal consequences. These actions may be prosecuted under various statutes, including those related to child pornography, obscenity, and exploitation. Depending on the severity of the offense, charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties that may include fines, imprisonment, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. It is important for individuals in Nevada to understand that while sexting between consenting adults is generally legal, any involvement of minors in sexting activities is subject to strict legal prohibitions and can lead to serious legal repercussions.