“Sexting” is the act of sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually explicit messages, photos, or images via cell phone, computer, or other digital device. These messages, photos, and images are then often being further disseminated through email and internet-based social networking websites well beyond their original intended recipients. This behavior is a growing problem, receiving national attention in newspapers, on morning shows, news broadcasts, and the internet. It’s happening all over the country. Our youth are engaging in this risky behavior, which can pose great danger for themselves and others. In a number of jurisdictions, criminal charges have already been brought to address this behavior.
“Sexting” is a growing problem.
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and Cosmogirl.com recently published results of a “sex and tech” survey which explored the connection between teen sex and cyberspace. The survey polled 1280 teens and young adults between the ages of 13 and 26 about their cell phone, computer and digital device behaviors and attitudes. The results are disturbing:
22% of teen girls (that’s 1 in 5 , with11% between the ages 13-16) and 18% of teen boys have electronically sent or posted nude or semi-nude images of themselves
33% of teen boys and 25% of teen girls say they have had nude or semi-nude images shared with them
The survey clearly showed that the notion that “sexting” is just “young people fooling around or experimenting” is false, as the statistics for this behavior rise even higher for young adults in their 20s.
33% of young adults surveyed (both men and women ages 20-26) say they have sent or posted images of themselves
The survey also reported that sending sexually explicit messages is even more prevalent: 49% of all those surveyed indicated that they have sent these types of messages and more than 56% have received them. When asked why they do it, the answers ranged from “it’s fun,” “it’s flirting,” “it’s a present for my boyfriend” to “it might help me to hook up with someone I like” or “it’s just a joke.” Although nearly 75% of those surveyed indicated that they believed that sending this type of material can have serious consequences, 25% percent suggested this behavior was “no big deal.”
Young adults, their parents and the public must understand that this behavior is “a big deal.” This behavior is serious and unsafe. It can have major consequences at home, in school, and in the community, both now and in the future. School administrators are working to educate their staff about “sexting”, and are reviewing school cell phone use policies so they can respond appropriately to the problem. Parents also need to educate themselves about the problem of “sexting”, including the potential consequences of this behavior, and the resources which can help them address the issue with their children.