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 Ohio, sexting laws primarily address the creation, possession, and distribution of sexually explicit material involving minors. It is illegal for adults or minors to send or possess nude or sexually explicit images of minors (under the age of 18). Adults who send such material to minors, or minors who send it to adults or other minors, may be charged with crimes such as disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, pandering obscenity involving a minor, or illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance. These offenses can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the nature of the activity and the ages of the individuals involved. Convictions can lead to severe penalties, including incarceration and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Ohio law also addresses the issue of 'revenge porn' through its 'voyeurism' statutes, making it a crime to distribute private sexual images without consent. It's important for individuals in Ohio to understand that sexting laws are strictly enforced to protect minors from exploitation and to prevent the distribution of child pornography.
