Building a Prevention Framework to Address Teen 'Sexting' Behaviors

This research project will inform the development of prevention policy and practice addressing the incidence and harmful consequences associated with juveniles production and distribution of sexually explicit images of themselves or peers via cell phone, a practice commonly referred to as "sexting." In partnership with school districts in Massachusetts, Ohio, and South Carolina, a multidisciplinary research team will collect in-depth focus group and questionnaire data from youth, parents, educators, and law enforcement personnel. Data will be analyzed for common themes and patterns, and for consistency between the views of youth and adults. These findings will form the basis for a practitioner summit including representation from school administrators, teaching and guidance, parents, law enforcement, youth advocacy, and OJJDP. This summit will generate specific "real world" recommendations for policy and practice based on the study findings.
CA/NCF