Navigating Terminology in Relation to Youth Sexual Image Sharing
Louisa Street ( PhD in Law , Keele University )
Abstract The term ‘ sexting ’ is a neologism combining the words sex and texting . It was coined in 2005 , before sending picture messages was as accessible and affordable as it is today . The term is now mostly used by adults to refer to sexual image sharing among young people , although tellingly young people themselves don ’ t use the term to describe the behaviour . This led Karaian to suggest , as early as 2012 , that persistent use of the term effectively silences young people ’ s voices in discussions about sexual image sharing . ‘ Sexting ’ is understood by young people as a term used in education settings to imply risk and illegality . In addition , the term is imprecise , encompassing sending and receiving messages , as well as both consensual and non-consensual image sharing .
This article will explore the term ‘ sexting ’, considering its evolution and the definitions and alternatives which have been suggested by scholars . It will also consider the use of the term ‘ child pornography ’, which involves images of child sex abuse and how legislation conflates these two phenomena .
In response to these terms being imprecise , this article will conclude with the suggested best alternative terms , providing the most clarity .
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