by Veronica Spettmann


“Sexting” or the sending of sexual text messages or photos, has become a highly discussed issue in the media in recent years, especially as it pertains to adolescents.  But should Aunties be concerned about their own nieces’ and nephews’ potential participation? Survey says, probably not.

Kimberly Mitchell, a research assistant psychology professor at the University of New Hampshire conducted research that reveals that only 1 percent of children aged 10 to 17 have shared nude photos of themselves or others. Past surveys revealed as many as 20 percent, but these surveys also included a higher age range.

The results of Mitchell’s study reveal that most sexting is not malicious and is not something parents should panic about. Dr. Michael Rich, director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital Boston says that exploring sexuality is normal behavior, even through text messages. He says, “We’ve been doing that since somebody scribbled a picture of a nude woman on the side of a cave and the guys gathered around to check it out.

Researchers conducted a separate study to see how police have dealt with teen sexting of photographs. Results show that they don’t seem to be over-reacting.  Of the nearly 4000 reported sexting cases nationwide in 2008 and 2009, only a little more than one-third of them ended in arrests.

All in all it appears that sexting is just this generation’s way of sneaking a peek at a dirty magazine.  The important thing for Aunties to remember is that they should remind their nieces and nephews about responsibly using their computers and cell phones, and to let them know they should not be afraid to ask their ConfidAunt about sex.  Aunties are in the perfect position to help their nieces and nephews grow through these hormonal stages in life.



Published: December 7, 2011