Report studies teen sexting

Whether you blame the technology, the parents or teenagers, sexting is a growing concern, according to a new report from Pew Internet & American Life Project.

In a CNN article, the Pew Internet & American Life Project reported that “nearly one-sixth of teens who own cell phones have received nude or nearly nude images via a text message from someone they know.” Read article here.

The report, based on an 800-person survey, was released on Dec. 15 and showed 15 percent of cell-phone-owning teens ages 12 to 17 had received nude or nearly nude photos by phone, and 4 percent said they sent such pictures or videos of themselves.

The older teenagers tended to participate in sexting more than younger ones. Four percent of 12-year-olds said they sent sexually suggestive images through text message compared to 8 percent of 17-year-olds, who said they sent nude or partially nude photos.

The survey also said teens who pay their own cell phone bills or have unlimited texting may “more likely to engage in sexting” than teens whose parents pay the bills or place limitations on phone usage. However, the report said teenagers whose parents frequently checked their child’s phone were not more or less inclined to participate in sexting than those whose phones were not monitored.

There was no difference between genders: boys and girls were equally inclined to send sexually explicit texts.

The author of the report, Amanda Lenhart, said focus groups found multiple reasons why teens take part in sexting. Some did it because they were in a relationship and only intended to send explicit texts and photos to their significant other. Others said they were following the trend, saying it was part of the popular culture.

One high school male said, “Most people are too shy to have sex. Sexting is not that bad.”

The dangerous aspect of this new teen trend was if other people should view and receive these illicit photos.

The report stated Florida and Pennsylvania have prosecuted some teens for child pornography because individuals sent nude pictures through texts. Also, Ohio was thinking about making a legislation to make it illegal for minors to engage in sexting, while Vermont and Utah lessened their punishments for first offense sexters.

The ramifications of sexting can have negative emotional and psychological effects.

“This girl sent pictures to her boyfriend. Then they broke up and he sent them to his friend, who sent them to like everyone in my school. … It ruined high school for her,” said another high school boy.

Bill Albert, spokesman for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, said since sexting has become more common, parents should address the issue with their teens. However, Albert said parents should not panic and not blame the technology, but explain to teens the consequences of sexting.