Sexting and Suicide

Their Story

Amanda Todd

Hope Witsell

Jessica Logan

Amanda's Story

Hope's Story

Jessica's Story

Check out these stats

• About 20% of adolescents ages 13-19 have sent or posted sexually explicit pictures. 
• Roughly 40% of teenagers report receiving or seeing images originally intended for someone else. 

How?

SMS/MMS

SNAPCHAT

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM
 

Why?

The foci of youth culture:

LOVE

ROMANCE 

SEXUALITY

"Sexting in youth appears to be the result of...raging adolescent hormones and attitudes invincibility, digital technological advancement, and peer pressure."

(Ahern and Mechling)

"It is...likely that many youth do not perceive sexting as being much of a "big deal" because they are unaware of many of the potential risks and consequences." 

...psychological illness...sexual risks...substance abuse...depression...

suicide...cyber-bullying...

COunterMeasures

"Use the topic of sexting as an opener to discuss behavior and risks..."

"...do not wait for an incident to happen before discussing sexting behavior..."

"Encourage positive body image in youth by letting them know they are in control of who sees their bodies..." (1 Cor. 6:19)