A study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior recently examined the phenomenon of sexting amongst teenagers. Researchers spoke with over 600 students, some as young as 14, about their attitudes towards and experiences with sexting. The study found that one in five teenagers has used their phone to send a nude or semi-nude photograph of themselves to another person. Nearly two in five students have received a sexually explicit photograph. Twenty five percent of teens who received a nude photograph forwarded the image to a friend. Teenage girls cited pressure from boys and a desire to be seen as fun and flirty as their primary motivations for sexting. Boys named a desire to hook up as their reason for requesting and sending sexts. Researchers also found that one third of students interviewed were aware of the potential legal and personal consequences of sexting (which in some states can include charges of possession or distribution of child pornography), but continued to do so anyways.

It’s important for teenagers to find healthy and safe ways to explore their budding relationships with their sexualities, but sexting can have devastating and long-term impacts for teenagers, whether it be jail time for being caught with pictures or social ostracization and bullying from unintended recipients of the photos.

I hear from a great deal of parents who express confusion about talking to their children about sex. Many parents have told their teenagers to avoid sexting, but don’t know how to have more in-depth conversations about sexuality, boundaries, communication, consequences, and intimacy. Unfortunately, until these kinds of conversations become more standard, rates of sexting will only continue to increase.

Are you having difficulties talking to your kids about sex? Do you suspect your child may be sending explicit pictures of themselves? Call (415) 658-5738 or visit my Appointments page to set up a consultation.