The Washington Post has done some important reporting on a teen sexting case in Virginia, spotlighting what could (should) go down in history as a textbook example of how police can abuse rather than enforce child pornography law in the digital age. A 17-year-old boy "is facing felony counts of manufacturing and distributing child pornography," the Post reported. I'll let you read the Post … [Read more...] about Textbook case of what NOT to do in teen sexting cases
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Social media major factor in teens’ social & sex lives: Australia study
With its 5th national study of Australian teens' sexual attitudes, behaviors and health since 1992, La Trobe University for the first time took a careful look at social media's role in their social and sexual lives, finding that it plays a significant one. "Our survey clearly shows the major role social media has in the negotiation and development of sexual relationships," said the study's lead … [Read more...] about Social media major factor in teens’ social & sex lives: Australia study
Youth sexuality, romance & digital media in Canada: Study
When MediaSmarts conducted its focus groups with young Canadians, it heard quite a bit about the important role the Internet plays in their "exploring and learning about sexuality and relationships," the Canadian digital literacy organization says. But the authors write that the survey itself – of 5,000+ students in grades 4-11 – suggests that that role may be smaller than you'd think, with only … [Read more...] about Youth sexuality, romance & digital media in Canada: Study
Zooming in on social norms: Youth sexting study
The research on teen and young adult sexting is getting more granular. One of the more interesting findings in a new study at Drexel University indicated that social norms are clearly developing around the practice. Looking at frequency of youth sexting, the study – published in the academic journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy – found that, "though many respondents [undergraduates at "a … [Read more...] about Zooming in on social norms: Youth sexting study
‘Noodz,’ ‘selfies,’ ‘sexts,’ etc., Part 3: Bias in the news coverage
Sexting is the latest subject of "intersecting panics about technology, youth, sexuality, raunch culture and celebrity," Australian author and research Nina Funnell wrote me after I heard her speak in Sydney in March. "While these panics all pre-existed the phenomenon of sexting, they have found new life and form" with it. Along with her qualitative research on sexting among 16-to-25-year-olds, … [Read more...] about ‘Noodz,’ ‘selfies,’ ‘sexts,’ etc., Part 3: Bias in the news coverage