Sexting

Typically, sexting occurs in three contexts: in lieu of sexual activity for younger adolescents who are not yet physically sexually active; to show interest in someone a teen would like to date; and, for sexually active youth, as proof of trust and intimacy. Exchanging sexual images may also be part of “truth or dare” game-playing among younger adolescents or goofing around while mimicking “sexy” media images. However, it's important to remember that sexting is not only a youth phenomenon: in fact, a 2012 study by the Pew Center's Internet and American Life Project suggests that it is twice as common among adults as among teens. ^[1]

Even though many young people consider this practice as “nothing important”, some, particularly girls, may feel forced to provide such pictures, and “nothing important” can quickly become “something important” if intimate images and messages are distributed to a wider audience.

Parents, schools and law enforcement agencies are grappling with how best to respond to this issue. In the United States, sexting amongst youth has resulted in teens facing child pornography charges. In Canada, although no young person has been charged with distributing pornography, there are still legal implications to such acts.

Experts have rightly raised concerns that heavy-handed responses to sexting may cause more harm than good by re-victimizing teens whose photos have gone viral or by humiliating young couples who are caught exchanging sexual images. Fear of recrimination, further embarrassment or harassment may make young people less likely to come forward when things go wrong.

To effectively deal with sexting, context should be taken into consideration. Adults need to be sensitive to the circumstances behind the image sharing: was it sent as a lark between friends? Was it intended as a private act between a couple? Was there any pressure involved or malicious intent? Depending on context, responses will differ.

For example, if sexting occurs as part of a romantic relationship or friends goofing around, parents need to talk to their kids about the downside of such behaviour. Where there is malicious intent parents, schools and law enforcement agencies may need to get involved. Under these circumstances, the main priority should be supporting and minimizing further harassment and humiliation of the young person whose image has been distributed.

Whether joking around or as part of a relationship, kids need to think carefully about what they post or transmit: once you press “send” an image is out of your control. The general rule of thumb for any image is to ask yourself, “Would I want my parents, teachers, neighbours, other kids to see this?” If you’re not careful, they might.

[1] Bilton, Nick. "Disruptions: Indiscreet Photos, Glimpsed and Then Gone." The New York Times, May 6 2012.