Sexting—which is defined as sending or receiving sexually explicit messages, images, or videos usually via smartphone—is becoming more common among adolescents. While it can sometimes occur within consensual relationships, it carries real risks, especially for teens still developing judgment and boundaries. Sexting images or video clips can be created with a camera or with AI. Whether the media is “real” or not the risk to teens’ social and emotional wellbeing is real.
A new 2026 study from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire researchers found that rates of teen (ages 13-17) sexting has increased significantly since 2019:
- Teens who report receiving a sext: from 23% in 2019 to 32.4% in 2026
- Teens who report sending a sext: from 14% in 2019 to 23.9% in 2026
What does this increase mean for parents? What might their teens experience?
- Sexting requests are even more common than sending: About 30% of teens said they had been asked for a sext, while nearly 20% reported asking someone else.
- Younger teens are more at risk: More than 60% of 13 year olds who sent a sext said it was shared without their permission, compared with about 41% of 17 year olds.
- Sexting often leads to sextortion: 49.6% of teens who had sent a sext ended up experiencing sextortion
Not all teens are engaging in sexting behavior and parents can be proactive without creating panic:
- Define consent clearly. Help teens understand that sharing someone else’s image without permission is a serious violation. Model this behavior by asking your kids permission before sharing images of them on your own social media feeds.
- Teach pause-and-think habits. Encourage them to ask: “Would I be okay if this were shared?”
- Practice responses. Role-play how to say no or deflect pressure. What would your child say if they received a request for a sexting image? Or if someone showed or shared a sexting image with them?
- Create a no-punishment safety net. Make sure your child knows they can come to you if something goes wrong. Promise to listen and support, and to only offer solutions when and if they want that kind of help. If your child receives a sexting image or video clip, coach them to not forward it and to tell a trusted adult. If they feel pressured to send one, remind them they always have the right to say no.
The goal isn’t panic. It is to be prepared. Find out more about preventative communication with your kids from the Online Child Exploitation Prevention Initiative.