Qualitative study of children, young people and 'sexting'

We asked researchers to conduct a small scale qualitative study to improve our understanding of sexting and the use of mobile technology by young people. This report details the research and their findings.

What is sexting?

Sexting has been defined as the "exchange of sexual messages or images" and "creating, sharing and forwarding sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude images" (see report for references).

Aim of the study

In this study, the researchers listened to young people's views and experiences to gain an understanding of how sexually explicit texts and images are produced, circulated and used through mobile phones and the internet and how these practices shape the offline lives of young people.

Methodology

The researchers conducted focus groups with 35 young people aged 12 to 14 years from inner city London schools. Participants were asked to become friends with the research team on Facebook so their activities online could be mapped.

Follow-up interviews were conducted with 22 of the focus group participants as well as with 4 teachers and 4 school support staff.

This research was conducted by the Institute of Education, King's College London, London School of Economics and Open University.

Authors: Jessica Ringrose, Rosalind Gill, Sonia Livingstone and Laura Harvey
Published: 2012