Abstract
The term “sexting” is a combination of two terms “text” and “sex”. The term is being applied to situations to sending self-created nude or semi-nude sexually provocative images or sexually explicit text. Most of the focus has been on sending nude images-because these are far more likely to be more widely disseminated and because the distribution of these images can place young people at higher risk (the term is also, unfortunately being applied to situations where adults are sending nude images or explicit text from minors. This is an inappropriate use of the term. These activities should be called what they are: exploitation of a minor). This document will outline the research findings about this phenomenon, discuss the concerns about current degree of overreaction, address legal issues and provide recommendations for changes in criminal statutes and for the establishment of an effective multidisciplinary approach to investigate and intervene in these situations.
Highlights
Among teens, the sexting phenomenon appears to be the result of a combination of factors: digital imaging technology that can capture and send images, impulsivity, raging hormones, peer or partner pressure and teen’s biological incapability of effectively predicting the potential negative harmful consequences of their actions.a November 2009 article on the AARP web site, entitled C*U*2nite: Sexting not Just for Kids, noted (Leshnoff, 2009): More and more of the 50 + set, both single and married, are using text messaging to spice up their sex lives
It is imperative that we address the sexting issue based on an approach that is grounded in “fact”-with an understanding of normal teen sexual development-not a techno-panic-driven overreaction grounded in the fact that teens are able to engage in sexual-related behavior using these new technologies
It is imperative that schools districts have a protocol to guide reporting and investigation that has been developed in collaboration with and approved by the local district attorney and has been approved by district counsel
Summary
The sexting phenomenon appears to be the result of a combination of factors: digital imaging technology that can capture and send images, impulsivity, raging hormones, peer or partner pressure and teen’s biological incapability of effectively predicting the potential negative harmful consequences of their actions. 10% of 14-24 year olds have sent a sexual image This data was not broken down into teen and young adult populations. As noted in the press release for the report: bully is to trick an intended target into providing an Research evidence shows that the sexualization of image that is send this to others or used for girls negatively affects girls and young women across a blackmail. This report stated that: “Almost one in five (19%) of the young Internet users surveyed received an unwanted sexual solicitation in the past year” While these findings were widely reported as situations where dangerous adult predators were soliciting youth, the term “sexual solicitations” included unwanted communications of a sexual nature. Both are facing felony charges for child exploitation and child pornography charges
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