Abstract
This paper is based on analysis data arising from a study of sexting perspectives and experiences of college students in Kenya. The study reveals that young people harbour misconceptions about this form of sexual communication, and how to address its associated challenges and negative experiences. The authors use the empirical findings to suggest a framework that identifies seven constructs that critically analyse and describe how agents of socialization processes need to collaboratively work together in order to address the misconceptions, negative perceptions, and behaviors thereof. The proposed framework is conceptualized as a holistic approach with two interacting zones; information and knowledge, and actions, and sustainability. Further, the paper describes the extent to which suggested elements ought to work together to provide the youth with the right information, skills, and competencies required to address issues and challenges associated with sexting. In conclusion, the paper recommends strong guild responsibility and linkages of teachers, parents, and professional associations in the development of educational programmes, policies, and initiatives required to mold youth into responsible people regardless of the new communication technologies.
 Keywords: sexting, youth, framework, communication, socialization
Highlights
This article analyses and discusses the proposed framework for addressing ‘safe’ sexting challenges among the youth
This article posit that in order to address issues related to youth sexting, we requires a collaborative framework where the different elements and processes of socialisation work together to support children and adolescents develop into responsible people regardless of information communication technologies
This holistic approach requires both the internal and external factors that make up the social environment where young people grow and live to collaboratively work together in order to develop youth with the right personalities, norms and perceptions about their online and offline behaviours
Summary
This article analyses and discusses the proposed framework for addressing ‘safe’ sexting challenges among the youth. These are just constructs that allow us to conceptualise and discuss how the different elements of immediate socialisation agents need to operate in order to address problems associated with ‘safe’ sexting challenges These elements are developed from the word SEXTING, and include: Societal accountability, Education and awareness, Exoneration of young people, Technology and industry, inertia and momentum shift, Nurturing positive behaviours and perceptions, and Guild Responsibility. Education and awareness programmes should stress on how to teach young people to stop asking for naked images/videos and how to respond when requested to send such content Curriculum should relate these sexting issues to everyday life of forming socialsexual (dating) relationships and use of social media.
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