A recent study published in the journal
Pediatrics found those who reported sexting were more likely
to engage in other sexual behaviors.
The study was conducted between 2009 and 2012; it
surveyed 420 seventh grade students between the ages of 12 and
14 via computer based questionnaires. The students were from
five urban middle schools in Rhode Island. The students were
identified by school personnel for “symptoms of behavioral or
emotional difficulties, such as, withdrawing, hyperactivi
nervousness, and declining grades.”
The study found any form of sexting to be an
indication for sexual risk. The study also found that sending
nude photos is “associated with even greater likelihood of early
sexual activity.” Females and Latinos were more likely to send
nude photos.
The study strongly suggests that “attention
should be paid to adolescents’ electronic communication because
sexting may be a marker for sexual risk behaviors that can have
significant consequences including pregnancy or disease.”
The study encourages parents to monitor cell
phone and computer use and limit unrestricted access.
