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Erschienen in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy 3/2014

01.09.2014

Youth Sexting: Prevalence Rates, Driving Motivations, and the Deterrent Effect of Legal Consequences

verfasst von: Heidi Strohmaier, Megan Murphy, David DeMatteo

Erschienen in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Ausgabe 3/2014

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Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of and motivations behind the exchange of sexually explicit text messages (“sexting”)—including those with and without photographic images—among youth. Secondary aims included gauging youth awareness of potential legal and other negative consequences of sexting, and assessing the possible deterrent effect of anti-sexting legislation. Undergraduate students (N = 175) recruited from a large Northeastern university completed an anonymous online survey concerning their engagement in sexting as minors. Consistent with hypotheses, more than half of respondents reported sexting as minors, although only 28 % sent photographic sexts. Respondents demonstrated a general lack of awareness regarding legal consequences of underage sexting, with knowledge of legal consequences having a modest deterrent effect. Respondents who, as minors, were aware of legal consequences of youth sexting were significantly less likely than their peers to engage in underage sexting. Survey respondents were divided on the issue of whether minors should be prosecuted for sexting, and generally advocated for rehabilitative over punitive sanctions. Policy implications and future directions are discussed.

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Metadaten
Titel
Youth Sexting: Prevalence Rates, Driving Motivations, and the Deterrent Effect of Legal Consequences
verfasst von
Heidi Strohmaier
Megan Murphy
David DeMatteo
Publikationsdatum
01.09.2014
Verlag
Springer US
Erschienen in
Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Ausgabe 3/2014
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Elektronische ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-014-0162-9

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