Sexting and sextortion

Sexting?
In a press release by Mike Bolhuis, specialist investigator, it is averaged that 17% of people interviewed said that they had shared a nude or sexual photo of themselves. 
 

Sexts never go away
Once a photo is sent, nude or not, it’s out there! Once you have pressed the “send” button, it’s out of your control. 

Studies show that while 17% of sexters share the messages they receive with others, 55% of those share them with more than one person. People and even predators have learned how to copy and save images before apps such as Snapchat, delete them.

Is sexting illegal in South Africa? YES! 
Sexting is a criminal offense for under 18s in South Africa.

The law does not make any exception for young people creating, possessing or sharing such material between themselves. When children engage in sexting, they create an indecent image of a person under the age 18 (even if it is an image of themselves), which is against the law.

Distributing such an image via any form of text/social media is also illegal. Sending a naked selfie can be a criminal offense.

What are the apps mostly used?

• WhatsApp.
• Snapchat.

Tips for dealing with threats of being blackmailed or “sextorted”

• Do not delete any of the messages received.
• Take screenshots of the threats from the scammer, as these can possibly be used as evidence.
• Talk to someone you can trust.
• Contact a specialist in this type of crime.
• Discontinue all communication with the scammer.
• Report the extortionist to the messaging or social platform, on which they are contacting you.
• Sextortion is traumatic for any person at any age.
• Contact a trusted counsellor to help you or your child deal with this ordeal.

Mike Bolhuis, Specialist Investigators press release