Teen Sexting
Sexting Among Teens and the Dangers it Poses
The advancement of high-tech has produced a new low. The term “sexting” is a combination of the words sex and texting, and is the practice of sending sexually explicit photos electronically by cell phone. Over the past few years, sexting has become more common and almost “fashionable” among teen-agers. Many teens are under the impression that this is harmless and no one gets hurt. It is dangerous and destructive behavior, often leading to unwanted circumstances. Once you send that text, it is no longer private. Control of where that picture may land is out of your hands.
Having a teen-ager with a smart phone, I chose this subject. He and I have had discussion regarding the consequences that this can bring about and we are in agreement. Although my son feels sexting is “stupid” and realizes it is dangerous, he knows classmates who do this. Man of them talk openly about it and consider it amusing.
Furthermore, according to a 2008 study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Unplanned Pregnancy, 20 percent of teens admitted to sending sexually explicit text messages. Whether that figure is accurate is open to opinion. Many teens, when asked, may be too embarrassed to admit to the practice. Although many teens are doing this, they don’t fully understand the magnitude of this craze. Many teens feel that new technology is great: it offers them a whole new way to communicate with one another that our generation never had.
In addition, problems arising from this can be quite severe and many issues can result from this. Humiliation and legal problems are just the tip of the iceberg. Teens like to think they can trust their friends and boy/girl friends, but can they really? Forever is a lengthy time to trust someone with photos of that nature. That compromising picture you send today may end up in the wrong hands months down the road. Your picture can be broadcast to anyone, anytime.
Following this further, some
The advancement of high-tech has produced a new low. The term “sexting” is a combination of the words sex and texting, and is the practice of sending sexually explicit photos electronically by cell phone. Over the past few years, sexting has become more common and almost “fashionable” among teen-agers. Many teens are under the impression that this is harmless and no one gets hurt. It is dangerous and destructive behavior, often leading to unwanted circumstances. Once you send that text, it is no longer private. Control of where that picture may land is out of your hands.
Having a teen-ager with a smart phone, I chose this subject. He and I have had discussion regarding the consequences that this can bring about and we are in agreement. Although my son feels sexting is “stupid” and realizes it is dangerous, he knows classmates who do this. Man of them talk openly about it and consider it amusing.
Furthermore, according to a 2008 study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Unplanned Pregnancy, 20 percent of teens admitted to sending sexually explicit text messages. Whether that figure is accurate is open to opinion. Many teens, when asked, may be too embarrassed to admit to the practice. Although many teens are doing this, they don’t fully understand the magnitude of this craze. Many teens feel that new technology is great: it offers them a whole new way to communicate with one another that our generation never had.
In addition, problems arising from this can be quite severe and many issues can result from this. Humiliation and legal problems are just the tip of the iceberg. Teens like to think they can trust their friends and boy/girl friends, but can they really? Forever is a lengthy time to trust someone with photos of that nature. That compromising picture you send today may end up in the wrong hands months down the road. Your picture can be broadcast to anyone, anytime.
Following this further, some