A study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that one in seven teenagers are sexting, and one in four have received sexts.
According to CBS, “sexting” is known as the sharing of sexually explicit images and videos through the internet or electronic devices such as cellphones.
Though sexting has been on the rise in the last 10 years, the growth is consistent with the availability of smartphones and internet access, according to researchers. Teen sex has declined over the last decade.
Information derived from further research suggested that, though boys are often thought to be the “requesters” of explicit material, both boys and girls are equally likely to participate in sexting.
However, according to CBS, girls reported feeling more pressure to sext and also reported feeling more worried about being judged for sexting and also judged for not sexting. Boys, on the other hand, see sexting as an avenue to prove themselves. The study found that the double standard could create higher levels of stress for girls.
Sexting, though as of yet not linked to poor mental health, can be a problem for teens if trust is violated, research showed. In some countries, it is illegal for a person to distribute an intimate photo without the consent of the person in the picture. However, research found that 12.5 percent of teens forward intimate photos of someone else without consent from the sender.
Digital security is another issue that arises. Questions such as, where are the photos being stored, for how long and who has access to them may not be at the forefront of teenagers’ minds.
To help teenagers navigate these issues, researchers suggested that parents have open discussions with their children, especially about the digital world.
