Sexting or "sex texting" is sending or getting sexually explicit or suggestive images, messages, or video on a smartphone or through the Internet. Most teens have various ways to get online, Smartphones, tablets, and laptops all can be used in private. It's very easy for teens to create and share personal photos and videos of themselves without their parents knowing about it. Girls may sext as a joke, as a way of getting attention, or because of peer pressure or pressure from guys. Guys sometimes blame "pressure from friends. And teens get some backup for that when lewd celebrity pictures and videos go mainstream.

In a new research paper published this week in Lancet Child Adolescent Health, researchers concluded that consensual sexting "in a committed partnership might be indicative of healthy exploration. Jeff R. Temple, lead researcher and University of Texas Medical Branch director of behavioral health and research, said parents who discover their teen has been or is the recipient of sexting should first take a deep breath. How to discuss with your teen: Teen sexting is becoming more common: What you need to know. Researchers performed analysis on close to 40 existing studies with more than , teens.

Talk about sexting when you talk about healthy relationships, self-esteem, peer pressure, and sex. Try these questions to start talking:. Contact the site s where the image has been posted and ask for it to be removed.