Sexting: “The Teen Epidemic”

Abstract

Sexting has been a media, and child safety, obsession for as long as the term came to prominence. The author proposes that the media focus on a world where endless teens readily engage in the exchange of indecent images of peers conflicts with the reality of a far more complex but less headline grabbing environment in which young people are growing up. He argues that the complexities of sexting cannot be addressed through simply telling young people not to do it, or threatening them with laws that were placed on the statute at a time when such practices were not envisaged. He shows that young people describe sexting as an act within a more complex environment of respect, consent and esteem, and simply being told “just say no” will do little to prevent a vulnerable teenager from engaging in such an activity. Again, the need for education is paramount, with safe, supportive environments for young people to be able to discuss the issues around these practices. Also required is an understanding of the underlying root causes, as well as the connections between mental health issues and digital behaviours.