Teens Texting More Likely To Have Sex [Study]

Teens texting past a certain daily threshold are more likely to be sexually active, according to a new study released in the Pediatrics journal, the official publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The findings indicated that a direct correlation exists between excessive texting, sexting, and sex among teenagers, with teens texting more than 100 messages per day more likely to have had sex compared to those who didn’t.

In addition to this finding, 20 percent of those surveyed said they had received at least one sext message, while just 5 percent admitted to sending one. (This, as the journal points out, implies the data may not be entirely accurate).

The study also revealed that if a teen had sent or received a sext message, they were even more likely to have engaged in sexual activity of some kind (not necessarily intercourse).

Within the data, respondents from a middle school in Los Angeles were six times more likely to report being sexually active if they had received a sext message, while those who sent a sext were almost four times more likely.

Researchers said teenage boys were more likely to report sexual activity than teen girls, and they also indicated there were “inconsistencies” in the data because some kids were probably lying.

In conclusion, the report stated that doctors and parents “should discuss sexting with young adolescents because this may facilitate conversations about sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy prevention.”

Also, the study cautions, sexual activity existed long before texting, so it’s probably not wise to blame technology on teens’ sexual behavior, though we couldn’t blame you if you started homeschooling your kids tomorrow, turned off their cellphones, and moved them into a nuclear bunker.

Recent history has proven that it’s probably not the best idea to hand your teens texting rights with no supervision.

We’re immediately reminded of the sexting teen who accidentally sent her dad the picture she’d intended for someone else.

The attraction that teens seem to have for sending revealing photos of themselves with no regard for how it might affect them in the future has caused some countries to take action.

Germany, in particular, has recently banned sexting via its so-called “revenge porn” law.

What do you think, Inquisitr readers? Do the new findings of this teens texting study justify taking away cellphone privileges, or should you let your kids continue to have access until they do something to abuse that trust?

[Image via ShutterStock]