Intervention and Prevention

INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION

What Can We Do to Help?

By Susan Lipkins, Phd., Jaclyn M. Levy, and
Barbara Jerabkova, MSc.

The consequences of sexting range from mild to severe. The incidence of sexting is high, and it is increasing in frequency and degree of promiscuity. At the same time, sexting is occurring at younger and younger ages. (In this study, six percent (6%) of the sexters began at age 9.)

Unrealistic to Expect Legislation to Stop it
It is unrealistic to believe that sexting will be stopped by legislation. However the following suggestions might be considered:

• Are you sure you want to send this picture? - On all digital devices a pop-up screen should occur before a photo was sent. The message would ask: Are you sure you want to send this picture? Send now? Send later? Delete? The addition of a question, and an imposed pause, reduces impulsive behavior and should help curb some harmful sexting.
• Culture Shift for Reporting Bullying  - Most victims do not report sexual harassment, cyberbullying or hazing because they fear the wrath of the group, via retribution or being ostracized. Therefore, we need to change the culture of reporting. We need to reward those who report and we must make it easy to report, anonymously, online, and via other venues.
• Add Topic to Health Education by Age 9 - Sexting should be addressed in health classes and could begin by age nine. Education about sexting and the legal; social and psychological consequences should be included in the curriculum.
• Let's All Take Responsibility - Some kinds of sexting may be defined as sexual harassment. Sexting prevention programs need to emphasize the responsibility of: an individual who sexts; the victims of sexting; bystanders of sexting; as well as the general community and/or school.

A description of the study and the complete results are presented on RealPsycology.com.

Comments:

Like what you see?
Share with your friends.