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One in 5 Teens Has Sent or Posted Racy Photos

And 1 in 3 say they've received such photos

By Rebecca Smith Hurd,  Newser User

Posted Dec 10, 2008 11:24 AM CST
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(Newser) – A New Hampshire teen suspended from school last week for sending a racy photo via cell phone wasn’t the first, the Boston Globe reports—and won’t be the last: One in five teens has uploaded a compromising image, and nearly one in three has received a half-naked or nude shot, a new online survey shows.



“This sort of online behavior contributes to a casual hookup culture,” a sex-education expert says. “When you get numbers like 20% and higher for young adults, that passes the threshold of concern.” What’s more: Nearly one in three of the 1,280 teens surveyed reported seeing photos intended for someone else. “I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I don’t want to see it,’” says a 16-year-old who later “brushed it off.”

Parents listen to a seminar about children using cell phones to send nude pictures.
Parents listen to a seminar about children using cell phones to send nude pictures.   (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Nearly one in three of the 1,280 teens surveyed reported seeing photos intended for someone else.
Nearly one in three of the 1,280 teens surveyed reported seeing photos intended for someone else.   (Getty Images)
Connecticut State Police Sgt. Jim Smith of the state police cybercrimes unit conducts seminars in which he warns parents about the use of cell phones to send nude pictures.
Connecticut State Police Sgt. Jim Smith of the state police cybercrimes unit conducts seminars in which he warns parents about the use of cell phones to send nude pictures.   (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Guest
Dec 14, 2008 5:39 AM CST
Couldn't agree with you more. Me being 22 years old, I've been taught to do the right thing and follow morals throughout my life - and where did I learn these? From my mom who also happens to be a single mother. Nothing could be further from the truth on this comment; if you want your children to do the right thing, then you as a parent need to step in and show guidance and stop blaming society for your poor parenting tactics.
Zebraone
Dec 10, 2008 9:58 PM CST
Some of the piz's should make Hefner blush!~~ Where does a 11 year get the nerve to display a picture that belongs in Greys Anatomy Book?
Shannonals
Dec 10, 2008 2:25 AM CST
Parents are to blame for their children's behavior. You can't be with your child 24 hrs a day, but if you give them the right tools, they will do the right thing in your absence, regardless of peer pressure

What's the problem? I'm just flirting with my supercrush
Fox News

Once photos hit Web, everyone can see them
New York Daily News

Is teen who distributed nude self-portrait a sex offender?
Newark Advocate (Oh.)

 
Internet • cell phones • nudity • photograph • suspension • child pornography • teenager • sexting

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