Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
Sexting among teens is, unfortunately, is very common. Many parents are shocked to hear how casually teens discuss how prevalent it is. Why do teens do it? To show off, to entice someone, to show interest in someone, to prove commitment, or even as a joke.
As teens develop an interest in sex, technology and apps make sexting easy, and unfortunately, acceptable amongst today’s youth. Sending these types of pictures or messages is problematic enough, but the real challenge comes when this content is shared broadly. The recipient is in possession of a highly compromising image or message that can be easily posted or sent to others via email or text. The intention doesn’t matter, technology makes it possible for everyone to see your child’s most intimate self.
Sexting (or "sex texting") is the sending or receiving of sexually explicit or suggestive images, messages and video via a mobile phone or the internet. These days, almost every child has many ways to get online making it very easy for teens, and even primary school children, to create and share personal photos and videos of themselves without their parent's knowledge.