The NSPCC have released a study on sexting that makes for pretty upsetting reading. The experiences of the school children interviewed sound pretty extreme but I think the key conclusions of the report are pretty sound. This is nabbed from the website:
^The top messages from the research are
the primary technology-related threat comes from peers, not 'stranger danger'
sexting is often coercive
girls are the most adversely affected
technology amplifies the problem by facilitating the objectification of girls
sexting reveals wider sexual pressures
ever younger children are affected
sexting practices are culturally specific
more support and resources are vital to redress the gendered sexual pressures on young people.^
Some of this, particularly on gendered pressures on young people, is not really surprising. For me the most important point covered was the first one - that threats are much more likely to come from your children's peers rather than adult strangers. The full version makes some good observations on the use of BBM which is definitely something to watch out for.
I was pretty disturbed by the tactic apparently now employed by boys to bombard girls with sexually explicit texts and images. I was aware this was a strategy used by adult paedophiles to desensitise children, it's sad to see that boys have cottoned on to how effective it can be.
Anyway, I thought it offered a pretty interesting insight in to sexting. The full version is good but very long, so the summary version may be your best bet.
the full version. [[http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/resourcesforprofessionals/sexualabuse/sexting-research-report_wdf89269.pdf]]
the summary. [[http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/resourcesforprofessionals/sexualabuse/sexting-research-summary_wdf89270.pdf]]