## What Research Says According to PsyPost citing the Journal of Adolescent Health, most teenagers do not engage in sexting, despite the widespread myth. However, those who are involved in such practices face serious risks. In 2025, researchers surveyed 3,466 teenagers aged 13 to 17. The results showed that 24% of respondents had sent intimate images at least once, while 32% had received them. This means that the majority of teenagers are still not involved in sexting. ## Main Risks The key issue is related to the consequences. Among those who sent intimate materials, 46.8% reported that their images were shared without consent. Almost half of the participants also faced sextortion—a form of digital blackmail where perpetrators threaten to publish intimate materials, demanding money or new photos. ## Who is at Risk The study found that boys are more likely to report involvement in sexting and simultaneously become victims of sextortion. Teenagers of non-heterosexual orientation are more often involved in image exchanges, while heterosexual participants more frequently encounter the distribution of photos without consent. This data debunks the stereotype that only girls become victims. ## Who They Send To—and Why It Matters One of the key findings of the study is that the level of risk is directly related to the nature of the relationships. Teenagers who sent intimate photos to people outside of romantic relationships faced consequences significantly more often. The likelihood of photos being shared without consent in such cases increased by more than 13 times, and the risk of sextortion nearly 5 times. ## Why Bans Don’t Work Experts emphasize that scare tactics and strict bans are ineffective. The approach of "just don’t do it" proves to be unproductive. Instead, specialists suggest a harm reduction strategy: discussing digital consent with teenagers, explaining the consequences, talking about privacy, and legal risks. ## What Really Matters The myth that "everyone is doing it" creates additional pressure on teenagers. Realizing that most of their peers do not engage in sexting may alleviate this pressure. In a context where the boundaries between personal and public are blurred, open dialogue, trust, and awareness play a crucial role. These become the main protection for teenagers in the digital world.