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What is sexting?

Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between cell phones. This activity is frequently a “courtship ritual” behavior but can also been seen in the context of an abusive relationship.  Sexting can also evolve into cyberbullying when the photo is distributed with the intent to damage the reputation of the victim.  

According to the Fort Worth Student Code of Conduct, students are prohibited from sending or posting electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal. This prohibition applies to conduct off school property if it results in a substantial disruption to the educational environment. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs will be disciplined according to school policy and may, in certain circumstances, be reported to law enforcement.

Did you know that:

• 39% of all teenagers (37% of teen girls and 40% of teen boys) have been involved in sexting.
• 15% of teenagers who have sent or posted nude or semi-nude images of themselves say they have done so to someone they only knew online.
• 48% of teenagers say they have received such messages.
• 71% of teen girls and 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.
• 21% of teenage girls and 39% of teen boys say they have sent such content to someone they wanted to date or hook up with.
• 36% of teen girls and 39% of teen boys say it is common for nude or semi-nude photos to get shared with people other than the intended.

Source: National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and Cosmogirl.com (October 2008 Sex and Tech Survey)

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