Teens and Sexting

A growing trend in the 21st century that is becoming a national epidemic among teenagers is sexting, or the taking of nude or graphic images and texting it to friends or romantic partners. While many may send a picture thinking only he/she will be the only individual to see the image, the online world has several media outlets that allow free uploads that could end up with embarrassing outcomes. In the digital world nothing is gone forever, leaving someone abashed and possibly ending in illegal charges for one or both parties involved. In order to understand this trend and how we can prevent it, we must understand our youth’s surroundings and behaviors, understand the negative consequences to sexting and then we can understand how to prevent this epidemic with teens. Evidence in recent studies has shown who and what are the major contributors and what is the most effective form of prevention. Many parents are understanding of privacy and their children’s need to talk or text friends on a daily routine but fail to realize what may be really happening on the computer or cell phone. As stated in a recent research study, “Building a Prevention Framework to Address Teen Sexting Behaviors,” little is known about how the attitudes and beliefs of parents, educators, and other concerned adults are related to sexting issues, and how those attitudes and beliefs align with those of teens (Harris, Davison, Letourneau, Paternite, and Miofsky, 2013). Comparing the beliefs of teens and those who surround them, may open lines of communication and talk about preventions of such issues. Educators play significant roles in shaping the minds of our youth and can aid in the prevention this epidemic from growing. By lying the foundation to open communication and a forum based group talk, our youth can have a basic understanding and the long-term consequences of sending graphic or nude photos. The teenage community is active online and posting personal lives on social websites. When