Teens and "Sexting"
With the coming of more powerful cell phones, “sexting” has become an increasing thing among teenagers.
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Sexting refers to sharing nude or near nude pictures, pornographic materials usually via a mobile phone.
On some of the social network platforms like facebook and twitter pornographic materials are usally disallowed, however on Whatsapp and Instagram it is easy to send any kind of picture.
Recently, some girls in a boarding school in the Eastern Region mistakenly shared a video of them dancing naked in their bath house. This was very embarassing to both their school and parents.
Most experts distinguish between sending naked photos, an activity with serious privacy, health and legal implications, and simply sending suggestive text messages, which is less harmful.
Why teenagers engage in sexting
Some of the major reasons teenagers send sexually explicit photos include the following:
• Peer pressure or cyberbullying
• Self-esteem issues.
• Rebelliousness, or the sense that they should be allowed to make their own decisions.
• As a romantic gesture.
• Because it feels naughty, liberating or grown-up.
• As a favour in exchange for other services.
Boys versus girls who are those who engage in sexting?
• Girls are slightly more likely to send explicit photos than boys.
• Teenagers who send sexually explicit photos, often willfully send them to people they don’t even know.
• Most teens who send nude pictures never get caught, therefore, they keep doing it although it is wrong.
Do the right thing
As teenagers, you must first of all know that it is in a bad taste to be sending nude pictures no matter the sex of the receiver.
Social networking is a global thing and so don’t be surprised to one day see your nude picture being used on sites you have never dreamt of.
This will definately go a long way to tarnish your image in future therefore, know what you send out!
By Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah/Junior Graphic/Ghana