Sexting refers to the act of sending, forwarding, receiving photos and messages that are sexually suggestive. This can be done through SMS or use of email. Although the term sext first appeared on the scene in 2005, the whole idea of recording and distributing sexual material has been around for many years. This review looks at how sexting is dangerous and how it can impact on teens.
The advent of internet, cell phones, and social media has enhanced the game of sexual exchanges. The easy with which pictures and messages can be distributed has made sexting easier.
Dangers of Sexting
Sexting is obviously dangerous and can adversely affect your sons and daughters. It may have long-lasting consequences on the teens. According to statistics, between 20 and 30 percent of teens have sent or received a sext message. Research further shows that these teens are more likely to engage in sexual intercourse whose consequences are rueful.
Sexting creates curiosity leads to exploration and experimentation. Teens are always curious; they love nudity and are easily aroused by it. Sexting arouses emotions and increases peer pressure and the desire to engage in sexual activities. This happens when racy and sexual pictures are sent by their peers. If all your friends have photos of their girlfriends or boyfriends on their phones, chances are that you will succumb to the pressure and do the same. On the other hand, if girls boast and send pictures to their boyfriends, the pressure to do the same will be high.
Teens learn how to love from their friends; they then cave to the pressure and thoughts that their new partners are the person they are destined to be with forever. Such teens who are always in need of love and acceptance, may engage in activities that may ruin their future.
It is worth to remember that the prefrontal cortex which is part of the brain that deals with problem solving, weighing options and impulse control is not yet fully develop in teens. This part of the brain develops and matures when one is in mid twenties. Therefore, it is folly to expect the teens to know how to conduct themselves during such periods.
Sexting can take a toll on teens. It can backfire and make them feel invincible. Teens may be aware of the legal implication of sexting but often, they engage in sexual activities with a hope that they will not be caught.
It can also lead to bullying especially the teens whose photos have been solicited and circulated. This can lead to embarrassment fear and disappointment. Sexting can compromise reputation, since once the photo is circulating, you may not tell how many people have seen or shared it.
Sexting is the main cause of pregnancies according teenage pregnancy statistics. It enhances sexual desires and the urge to experiment and explore. The more the teens talk and share sexually oriented photos and messages the more they incline on having sex. Evolution in technology, access to smartphones, e-readers, digital audio players and other networks have made it difficult to control how teens behave.
Legal Issues of Sexting
Unfortunately, the law is still lagging behind but many countries like the US have legislated or are considering bills that can catch those who engage in sexting and punishing them.
This review recommends that instead of parents leaving their children to learn from their peers, they should spend time with them and speak to them about sexual matters. They should talk about the impact and the consequences of sexual desires. If you do not know how sexting affects your children, use sms tracker and discover what teens do in privacy.
For more information, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexting