The document summarizes research from two surveys about social media use among teens and young adults. It finds that the percentage of teens who report sending sexually explicit images, or "sexting," increases with age, from 4% of 12-year-olds to 8% of 17-year-olds. Teens who pay for their own phone plans are also more likely to sext. Similarly, the percentage who receive sexts increases with age, from 4% of 12-year-olds to 30% of 17-year-olds, and those with unlimited texting plans sext more. The document also categorizes different scenarios in which sexting may occur between partners or those interested in a relationship.

1. Social Media & Young Adults Amanda Lenhart Pew Internet Project OSTWG, NTIA, Dept of Commerce February 4, 2010

22. Twitter

24. October 2009

30. Thanks! “Teens and Sexting” “Social Media & Mobile Internet Use Among Teens and Young Adults” Amanda Lenhart Pew Internet & American Life Project http:// www.pewinternet.org @amanda_lenhart