Sexting linked to increased risk of mental health issues and promiscuity in teenagers, study suggests

Research described as 'worrying but not surprising' by experts

Teenagers who engage in sexting are more likely to have mental health issues and multiple sexual partners compared to those who don’t, a new study suggests.

The analysis of 23 studies comprising of 41,723 participants younger than 18-years old found “significant associations” between sexting and increased sexual activity, multiple partners, lack of contraceptive use, and anxiety and depression.

Other problematic behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse was also highlighted as being potentially associated with sexting – the exchange of sexual messages, photographs, or videos.

The study, which was compiled by the University of Calgary, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the University of Texas, found that the associations were stronger in younger adolescents.

The researchers continued, saying that it is difficult to determine whether sending or receiving sexually explicit messages directly led to any of the negative outcomes, or if sexting is just one of several risky acts a teenager is already more inclined to take chances might engage with.

“Although sexual exploration becomes an increasingly normative part of development as adolescents age, it is possible that younger adolescents may be more susceptible to risks associated with sexting owing to their relative immaturity compared with older adolescents,” the study’s authors wrote.

“However, given that the association between sexting and certain sexual behaviours and internalising problems remains, although to a lesser extent, in older youth, early education may act as a preventive measure to reduce risk exposure in late adolescence and young adulthood.”

A number of experts have highlighted how the study’s results are merely correlational, adding that any conclusions “should be treated with caution”.

“The associations look pretty small to me, and there was lots of variability between the studies and in the scientific quality of the studies examined,” said Dr Qazi Rahman, senior lecturer in psychology at King’s College London.

“It is also likely that there may be some common factors which link sexting, sexual activity and mental health. These could include many things such as personality, environmental variables, and even biological factors.”

However, relationship expert James Preece says that for many teenagers sexting can be a gateway to other "risky" behaviour.

"What was once seen as taboo, is now becoming accepted as normal," Preece tells The Independent.

"The study is very worrying but not surprising. Most teens now how a mobile phone, which allows them to talk and text anyone they wish without being monitored."

Preece adds that once young people have sent naked photographs of themselves it can be easier for them to be "talked into the next step".

"They are at their most vulnerable so this could lead to risky sex or drug use," Preece explains.

"If they have sent a photo it can be taken as an indication they are ready to take things further.

"The only way to regain control is for parents to regularly check exactly what their children are up to."

The study was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.

In 2018, a separate study by the University of Calgary found that while one in seven teenagers have sent sexts – messages containing sexually explicit content – one in four have received them.

Cause for concern was highlighted in the research when they uncovered the number of teens who admitted to forwarding on sexts without consent from the original sender.

The NSPCC outlines the risks of sexting on their website, explaining that a young person is breaking the law if they take an explicit photo or video of themselves or a friend.