The survey carried out among a representative sample of the population of N = 1500 adults in Germany (18 to 85 years old; 48% female, 52% male) in November 2015 showed that 41% of those questioned had already sent a sext at least once in their lifetime.[5] Sending erotic texts was the most common, followed by erotic photos and videos of oneself. Statistically significantly higher participation in sexting was observed among males, younger age, unmarried marital status, and non-heterosexual identity. Respondents reported significantly more positive than negative effects of their sexting activities.
Sexting is mainly practiced by adolescents and young adults. According to an American study by National campaign to prevent teenage and unplanned pregnancies (NCPTUP) in 2008, 20% of 13 to 19 year olds and 59% of 20 to 26 year olds have already sent sextings. 48 percent of teens and 64 percent of young adults received MMS sexting.[6][7]
An English study for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children assumes a high number of unreported cases in England and found a proportion of 15 to 40 percent among young people depending on age and definition of young people. The study also found that the majority of teenage girls are pressured by male teenagers to provide their own photos.[8] A survey of young Swiss (JAMES study, 2012)[9] found that only 6 percent of respondents send erotic media on their own. In 2012, the Swiss foundation Pro Juventute launched an awareness campaign against sexting.
A SaferInternet Austria study carried out in Austria in 2017 found a high prevalence of sexting among young people (14-18 years old):
"The survey results show that sexting, i.e. sending nude photos, is prevalent among young people. Nearly half of young people surveyed know someone who has sent nude photos to others. One in three people have already received nude photos or videos. For many young people (31%), it is completely normal for someone in a relationship to send nude photos – mainly via WhatsApp – to her boyfriends or girlfriends. One in ten young people even know the nude photos of their best friend or best friend. »
Most young people use the messaging app WhatsApp for sexting, followed, far behind, by Facebook, Skype, Internet, i.e. instant messaging applications for smartphones and tablets, or by email.[7][10] Photos sent over the Internet should only be visible for a certain number of seconds and then be destroyed.[11] However, it is relatively easy to find and restore the sent files in the folder structure of the device being used.[12]
The distribution and possession of erotic images of minors (child pornography) is prohibited in most countries.
Situation in the United StatesEdit
Minor participants in this variant of a " I'll show you mine - you show me yours“With modern means of communication in the United States, there is a threat of legal action with serious consequences by mail.[13][14][2][15][16]
Situation in GermanyEdit
In Germany, sexting may be a violation of minors Section 184b ou §184c of the Criminal Code. While according to the first, sexual representations of children under the age of 14 are strictly prohibited, let § 184c in the case of sexual portraits of young people between the ages of 14 and 17, impunity in the event that the child pornography in question "Exclusively for personal use with the consent of the persons represented" has been produced. However, since § 184c is legally valid only since November 2008,[17] For the moment, it remains to be seen how German case law will apply this new standard to the problem of “sexting”.
While sexting operators see this as "high-tech flirtation",[18] critics point out the dangers of poor distribution of these photos, for example B. via social networks on the Internet.[19]
Situation in AustriaEdit
The Austrian legal situation is similar to that of Germany in that sexting by minors under the age of 14 is illegal, but at the same time they are not criminally responsible. While the production and possession of pornographic representations by young people (aged 14 to 17) were still legal with their consent, distribution by sexting was punishable until 2016. In March 2015, for example, a young person was convicted of sending a pornographic photo of himself.[20] Following pressure from the Federal Youth Council, the law was subsequently amended.[21]
