Sexting can be defined as “sending, receiving,
or forwarding sexually explicit
messages, photographs, or images via
cell phone, computer, or other digital
devices.” Many of these images become
distributed rapidly via cell
phones or the Internet. This phenomenon
does occur among the teen population;
a recent survey revealed that
20% of teens have sent or posted nude
or seminude photographs or videos of
themselves. Some teens who have
engaged in sexting have been threatened
or charged with felony child pornography
charges, although some
states have started characterizing
such behaviors as juvenile-law misdemeanors.
20,21 Additional consequences
include school suspension for perpetrators
and emotional distress with
accompanying mental health conditions
for victims. In many circumstances,
however, the sexting incident
is not shared beyond a small peer
group or a couple and is not found to
be distressing at all.