How big of a problem is sexting?

How big of a problem is sexting?

Sexting is a form communication through sending explicit messages, photos, or videos via cell phones, computer, or any digital device. Sexting also includes photos and videos that portray nudity or stimulate sexual acts. Sexting has increased through the generation now with the evolution of technology and it being mobile. It is a norm to carry cell phones and use tablets for social media, apps, and messaging, which are major factor to why the generation today send explicit photos to younger or older people. This has been a concern for parents, teachers, and law enforcement because this is quite a matter in hand.
The realization of sexting being a norm now is quite alarming and the amount of people who do it, no matter what age they are. There are kids at the age of 13 that are sending nudes because it is in their perception that it is done as a joke, a way of gaining attention, and even flirting. As it sinks in, it’s quite sad to believe that this is quite common now, compared to back then, when flirting was just writing someone letters and sending them flowers to gain someone’s attention. This is also quite a danger, especially if you can’t take those back. Once you send them out for one person to see, it might be a possibility that it could spread around. This becomes an issue with parents.

Once explicit photos and videos are sent, they go around. That’s when parents, teachers, law enforcement are added into the mix. Especially if sexting falls under federal child pornography law, with a potential felony prosecution of the teen that sends or receives it and parents that allow it. Adding to this, predators, pedophiles, you name it they’re out there and they can disguise them to whoever they want to portray themselves as and it’s easier to do so online. Luring young, naïve kids into gaining their trust in order to get them to do what they want thinking that it’s okay. So yes, sexting is quite a big problem and it should be a problem that needs more awareness