SHOCKING SEXTING STATISTICS

“Sexting” is the act of sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually explicit messages, photos, or images via cell phone, computer, or other digital device. These messages, photos, and images are then often being further disseminated through email and internet-based social networking websites well beyond their original intended recipients.

“Sexting” is a growing problem:

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and Cosmogirl.com recently published results of a “sex and tech” survey which explored the connection between teen sex and cyberspace (October 2008). The survey polled 1280 teens and young adults between the ages of 13 and 26 about their cell phone, computer and digital device behaviors and attitudes. The results are disturbing:

The % of teenagers who have sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or video of themselves:

  • 20% of teenagers overall
  • 22% of teen girls
  • 18% of teen boys
  • 11% of young teen girls ages 13-16

The % of teenagers sending or posting sexually suggestive messages:

  • 39% of all teenagers
  • 37% of teen girls
  • 40% of teen boys

15 % of teenagers who have sent or posted nude or seminude images of themselves say they have done so to someone they only knew online.

48 % of teenagers say they have received such messages

71 % of teen girls and 67% of teen guys who have sentor posted sexually suggestive content say they have sent or posted this content to a boyfriend or girlfriend.

21 % of teenage girls and 39% of teen boys say they have sent such content to someone they wanted to date or hook up with.

44 % of both teen girls and teen boys say it is common for sexually suggestive text messages to get shared with people other than the intended recipient.

36 % of teen girls and 39 % of teen boys say it is common for nude or semi-nude photos to get shared with people other than the intended recipient.

51 % of teen girls say pressure from a guy is a reason girls send sexy messages or images; only 18 % of teen boys cited pressure from female counterparts as a reason.

66 % of teen girls and 60% of teen boys say they did so to be “fun or flirtatious”; their most common reason for sending sexy content.

52 % of teenage girls used sexting as a “sexy present” for their boyfriend.

40 % of teenage girls said they sent sexually suggestive messages or images as “a joke.”

34 % of teen girls say they sent or posted sexually suggestive content to “feel sexy.”

12 % of teen girls felt “pressured” to send sexually suggestive messages or images.

Posing a Child in a State of Nudity or Sexual Conduct

It is illegal for anyone, with lascivious intent, to knowingly encourage, cause, coerce, solicit, or entice a person under 18 years of age – male or female – to pose or be shown in a state of nudity (or semi-nudity) for the purpose of photographing them.

Thus, in many circumstances, encouraging a person, even a friend, who is under 18 to take a photo of themselves nude, or of body parts considered sexual in nature, with their cell phone or digital camera, violates this statute.

Dissemination of Pictures of a Child in a State of Nudity or Sexual Conduct

It is illegal for anyone, with lascivious intent, to knowingly send out or disseminate pictures of a person under 18 (1) in a state of nudity (or semi-nudity) or (2) engaged in a sexual act.

Thus, for example, a sixteen year old who photographs him or herself nude, and sends it to their boyfriend or girlfriend, violates this statute.

A person who receives such a picture attached to an email, for example, and who knowingly forwards it to another person, may also be in violation of this law.

Possession of Child Pornography

It is illegal for anyone to knowingly possess photographs (in any format) which depict a person under the age of 18 posed with a lewd exhibition of genitals, buttocks, breasts or engaged in an actual or simulated sexual acts.

Dissemination of Harmful Matter to a Minor

It is illegal for anyone to knowingly send to any person under the age of 18 matter considered to be “harmful. “Harmful matter” includes things that are obscene or pornographic in nature.

Other potential consequences:

  • A conviction in criminal court for “sexting” may have other serious consequences.
  • Jail sentence and/or fine imposed by a Judge
  • Restriction of school activities, such as sports, denial of college admission, and denial of student loan eligibility. A felony conviction mandates that a DNA sample be provided to the state.
  • A felony conviction may also affect future employment opportunities, such as those offered in law enforcement and other high-security clearance positions.
  • “Sexting” may be addressed within the school, and could potentially result in suspension or expulsion. Persons who engage in “sexting” may also feel humiliation and emotional distress as a result of the ease and speed at which these images and information can be passed from person to person.

It is critical that everyone understand that once a message, image, video or photo is on a cell phone or other digital device, it can be put on the internet for the whole world to access; it cannot be taken back!

- The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.comcommissioned a survey of teens and young adults to explore electronic activity, 2008.