Some research has shown that preteens are hitting puberty at younger and younger ages.
It looks like technology is catching up with kids, or vice-versa: A new study finds that 1 out of 4 teenagers has texted or emailed nude pictures, and half have been asked for a naked photo.
The study, published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine online, concludes that parents just don't understand. According to a summary:
… Parents have insufficient information about the nature and importance of teen sexting …
That's because sexting teens are more likely to be sexually active, according to the academics.
Researchers, including Jeff. R. Temple, of the University of Texas Medical Branch, asked nearly 950 14-to-19-year-olds about their texting behavior.
They found that a third of teens actually requested someone else to send a nude pic to them; most of those, of course, were boys.
Interestingly, white and African American kids were more likely to sext than other ethnicities (Latinos, Asian Americans).
The authors say that …
… asking [adolescents] about sexting could provide insight into whether a teen is likely engaging in other sexual behaviors
[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]
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