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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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5

One in 5 Teens Has Sent or Posted Racy Photos

And 1 in 3 say they've received such photos

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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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maevealleine
Dec 10, 08 11:39 AM CST
I work in 3rd Tier Internet technical support for one of the biggest cable companies in the US. You would not believe how many parents allow their children (of all ages) unrestricted and unsupervised access to the internet. You do the math on what that will result in. Reply
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upshotmatt
Dec 10, 08 11:56 AM CST
wouldn't it be smarter if the children were exposed to sex at an earlier age as is done in many countries outside the US so that sex is not nearly as taboo? its along the same line of thought as to the approach toward alcohol and drugs taken in other counties, which have a significantly decreased percentage of use among teens and adults alike.. Reply
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Shannonals
Dec 10, 08 2:25 PM 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 Reply
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3motions
Dec 14, 08 5:39 PM 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.
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Zebraone
Dec 10, 08 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? Reply
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