Why is sexting a problem

For the current study, researchers examined data from 23 sexting studies with more than 41, participants. Sexting in this analysis included sending, receiving, requesting and forwarding sexually explicit written content, pictures and videos using text messages, email, apps or social media. Teens who sext were also more than three times as likely to drink alcohol or use drugs. Whether sexting is harmful or not really depends on the situation, Madigan added.

Kessel Schneider: There is no standard definition of sexting in the research literature. Kessel Schneider: It depends on how you define sexting.

For example, a recent study in Pediatrics received a lot of press because it showed a very low prevalence of sexting—but the findings focused on images that would be considered child pornography. In this case, it is important to broaden the definition to include the range of behaviors that teens consider as sexting. Our research shows that one in seven youth have either sent a sext or been the subject of a sext image.

If we were to include flirtatious or sexual text messages, then we would find that sexting is more prevalent. Kessel Schneider: Sexting can definitely result in victimization when teens circulate the images in hurtful ways, and there can be serious mental health issues for those involved.

The problem is that since these messages are electronic, they can be stored, shared, and circulated with ease, which can have immediate and lasting consequences. Kessel Schneider: Parents should educate their children from an early age about the importance of being safe online and keeping personal information and images private. These conversations become very important when kids begin using cell phones to connect independently with their peers.

Kessel Schneider: Teens have always engaged in flirtatious and suggestive behaviors as a way of exploring their sexual identities and peer relationships. The popularity of sexting is indicative of the overall trend toward the use of electronic communications: some kids are just flirting electronically instead of on the phone.

It is very important to explain to your child how to stay safe online, however difficult this conversation may feel. If they know the boundaries that you accept as parents, from the moment they first have a mobile phone, they are more likely to accept these rules. If they have the risks of sexting explained to them, it might help reduce their impulsivity and enable them to challenge peer pressure.

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