15pc of teens with cellphones receive 'sexts': US study

Washington, Dec 16 (ANI): A new survey on "sexting" has revealed that nearly one out of seven American teens carrying a cell phone has received nude or almost nude pics.

The Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project, based on a telephone survey of 800 adolescents and 800 parents, also found that 15percent youngsters between 12 to 17 have received sexually suggestive photos or videos on their cellphones.

However, a mere 4 percent accepted to sending a nude photo.

About 4 percent of 12-year-olds received such images, compared to 30percent of 17-year-olds.

It was also found that sexually explicit pictures were sent as part of a romantic relationship or one that is wished-for.

Teens were also asked to write answers to some questions without naming themselves.

"Most people are too shy to have sex....Sexting is not as bad," the Washington Post quoted a high-school student, as writing.

Another teen revealed how a couple's breakup ended up in the girl's naked pic being forwarded to "like everyone at school," which "ruined high school" for her.

A high school girl said: "If a guy wants to hook up with you, he'll send you pictures of his private parts or a naked picture. . . . It happens about 10 times a month."

Taking about their findings, Amanda Lenhart, senior research specialist at Pew, said: "It's a part of teens' lives. It's something they deal with, they grapple with, they talk about.... Even though the numbers are quite low, I think it is an important issue to be talking about." (ANI)