Sexting and the Law

Abstract

This chapter explores the laws that frame sexting with a particular focus on Australia and Europe. International concerns over the impact that new technologies have had on child pornography and child abuse have led to countries strengthening laws to protect children. The chapter analyses how such reforms have impacted on children who engage in sexting and whether children have been criminalised for sexting behaviours. It will be seen that there are differences in how countries approach sexting. This chapter concludes by assessing whether, and what form of, legal response to sexting is appropriate and necessary.