What is concerning to Madigan is that many young people “lack awareness of digital security and safety” by taking nude photos and sending them out. About one in eight teens in the study say they have forwarded a sext—a behavior the authors referred to as nonconsensual sexting—or have sent a text to others without the permission of the original sender. “Sexting does become a problem when youth are pressured or coerced into sexting,” says Madigan. “It is also a problem when teens fail to realize the potential consequences of sending nude images or videos. They may not realize or appreciate the potential permanence of the sent images.”
What can parents do? “I would tell parents to be proactive, not reactive, about digital safety,” says Madigan. “Have open conversations early and often—not just when problems or concerns arise.” Madigan recommends discussing the risks and possible legal consequences of sexting with kids, and to make sure kids know that it’s not ok to pressure people, or feel pressured, to sext.
