Wait! Don’t press send just yet! Think of all the risks before sending that “sexy pic” this Valentine's Day

HookUp tip by Carolina

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and I'm sure all of you with significant others are starting to plan how you're going to show your affection to your boo. Flowers? Check. Chocolates? Check. Sexy, nude picture via text? Not so fast.

Sending a sexy picture of yourself may seem harmless, but it can lead to serious consequences that’ll haunt you for the rest of your life. First, there’s the risk that your photo will end up on more phones and computers than you originally intended. You may trust your partner now, but you can’t take back a photo you sent or someone else took once it’s out of your hands. Second, if you’re under 18, you AND the person you sent the picture to can be prosecuted for child pornography! If you’re convicted, your name will be permanently placed on the sex offender registry, which is public information that colleges and future employers can access.

If you don’t believe us, read one teen’s story of sexting-gone-wrong and learn how to avoid making the same mistakes she made. The takeaway from all this? If you want to get naked with your boo, it’s safer - and more fun - to just do it in person! (Armed with condoms and birth control of course.)