SHOCKING SEXTING STATISTICS Counseling Department RHS

Definition of “Sexting” “Sexting” is the act of sending, receiving or forwarding sexually explicit messages, photos or images via cell phone, computer or other digital device.

STATISITICS The percent of teenagers who have sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or video of themselves: 20% of teenagers overall 22% of teen girls 18% of teen boys 11% of young teen girls ages 13-16

The % of teenagers sending or posting sexually suggestive messages: 39% of all teenagers 37% of teen girls 40% of teen boys

48% of teenagers say they have received such messages. 71% of teen girls & 67% of teen guys who have sent or posted sexually suggestive content say they have sent or posted this content to a boyfriend or girlfriend.

36% of teen girls & 39% of teen boys say it is common for nude or semi-nude photos to get shared with people other than the intended recipient.

WHY? 51% of teen girls say pressure from a guy is a reason girls send sexy messages or images; only 18% of teen boys cited pressure from female counterparts as a reason. 66% of teen girls & 60% of teen boys say they did so to be “fun or flirtatious”; their most common reason for sending sexy content.

WHY? 52% of teenage girls used “sexting” as a sexy present for their boyfriend. 40% of teenage girls said they sent sexually suggestive messages or images as a “joke.” 34% of teen girls said they sent or posted sexually suggestive content to “feel sexy.”

CONSEQUENCES... A conviction in criminal court for “sexting” may have other serious consequences. Jail sentence and/or fine imposed by judge. Restriction of school activities, such as sports, denial of college admissions, and denial of student loan eligibility. A felony conviction mandates that a DNA sample be provided to the state.

CONSEQUENCES... “Sexting” could potentially result in suspension or expulsion within the school. Persons who engage in “sexting” may feel humiliation and emotional distress as a result of the ease and speed at which these images and information can be passed along. Future employment opportunities may be negatively affected as a result of “sexting” or sexually explicit postings.

It is a felony to take, share or possess an explicit photo of a person who is younger than 17. Those over age 16 who were involved could be prosecuted as adults.

CANNOT Once a message, image, video or photo is on a cell phone or other digital device, it can be put on the internet for the whole world to access; it CANNOT be taken back!

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