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 Washington State, sexting laws are designed to protect minors from the distribution and receipt of sexually explicit material. It is illegal for adults or minors to send indecent visual depictions of themselves or others to minors, and it is also illegal for minors to send such depictions to adults or to other minors. These activities may fall under various statutes, including those addressing the distribution of obscene materials, child pornography, and cyberstalking. The consequences of sexting-related offenses can be severe, potentially including jail or prison time and mandatory sex offender registration. The severity of the charges, whether misdemeanor or felony, depends on the specifics of the case, such as the age of the participants and the nature of the material sent. Washington's laws on sexting are primarily found in the state's penal or criminal code.