Tiger Woods has done it, high profile attorney Gloria Allred has written an open letter to Carrie Prejean about it, and two girls have committed suicide over it: sexting. For many, however, the word sounds strange and foreign and its meaning is unclear. The word is a combination of sex and texting and is described as sending sexually explicit photos or text to another user through digital or electronically means. The most prevalent form of sexting is through use of a cell phone.

The earliest account of sexting is attributed to a July 31, 2005 article titled “The One and Only” on page 22 of the Sunday Telegraph Magazine. The quote read, “Following a string of extramarital affairs and several lurid "sexting" episodes, Warne has found himself home alone, with Simone Warne taking their three children and flying the conjugal coop." The term has been used frequently ever since.

Sexting has increased rapidly due to the ease of transmission and use. Many teenagers are obtaining cell phones and nude or semi nude photos may be taken nearly instantaneously then transmitted to their intended recipients. ABC News wrote an article on March 13, 2009 titled ‘Sexting Teens can go too Far’. The first paragraph opens with the line, “What happened to the time when if you liked a boy at school you’d pass him a note?” The statement holds much truth. Modern technology has replaced letter writing and today’s teens and young adults are offered a variety of ways to communicate. Social networking sites, E-Mail, Chatrooms, Instant Messaging services, and texting can make communication simple and efficient. It can also increase the risk of teens being exposed to sexual predators and place them at the mercy of their peers.

The trouble occurs ethically when a photo or text message is sent and the relationship turns sour. These images linger and can be forwarded to other viewers. What might have been intended for one can make its way virtually around the globe. The dangers are not just ethical or moral, either. There are also criminal factors to consider.

A growing number of teenagers are not only engaging in sexting, but are facing criminal charges for the practice. When it comes to child pornography laws, each state is different and sets its own rulings. Some states are addressing the issue of sexting amongst teens after several cases have left young teens labeled as sex offenders for sexting explicit photos to his or her boyfriend or girlfriend.

The website: Sex and Tech The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy addresses the issues of teens and young adults engaging in sexting. According to the National Campaign to prevent teen and unplanned pregnancy one in five teen girls and 11% of teenage girls between the ages of 13 and 16 have engaged in sexting.

To find resources and further information regarding sexting click here: Sex and Tech

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