Risk and Harm in Youth Sexting

Dr. Emily Setty is a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Surrey. Emily undertakes research with young people exploring their practices and experiences within their youth sexual and relational cultures. Emily is particularly interested in their perspectives on risky and harmful practices and in developing more youth-centred, impactful approaches to engaging with young people about the issues they face.

1. Chapter 1 – Introduction








Abstract



Conceptualising youth sexting





Youth sexting as a technology-facilitated expression of the sexualisation of children and young people



The meaning of ‘childhood’ and ‘youth’



Youth sexting as a sociocultural phenomenon




Researching youth sexting: Methodology and scope



Chapter outline



References



2. Chapter 2 – The legal and educational policy context to youth sexting








Abstract



Youth sexting as risky and harmful



The law and youth-produced sexual imagery



Educational responses to youth sexting



Gender, risk and sexting education



Youth sexting as a ‘moral panic’



‘Rights’, ‘agency’, ‘legitimacy’ and youth sexting



References



3. Chapter 3 – Young people, technology and sexting








Abstract



Young people and technology



Young people’s perceptions of sexting



Sexting, gender and relationships





Sexting and gender



Sexting and relationships




Conclusion



References



4. Chapter 4 – Privacy violations in youth sexting culture








Abstract



Young people, privacy and technology



Young people, sexting and privacy





Gender and (stigmatised) sexual and bodily expression



Peer status hierarchies and ‘popularity’ dynamics




Conclusion



References



5. Chapter 5 – Sexting and consent: Unwanted, pressured and coerced image-sharing








Abstract



The pleasures and rewards of sexting



Feeling ‘used’ and saying ‘no’ to sexting



Pressured and coerced sexting



Unsolicited image-sharing



Conclusion



References



6. Chapter 6 – Social shaming and victim blaming








Abstract



Managing risk and avoiding harm



Victim blaming and social shaming



‘Deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ victims



Negotiating shame and stigma





Skye-Rose and Charlie – Resisting the shame




Redefining bodily and sexual expression: ‘Frexting’



Conclusion



References



7. Chapter 7 – Responding to youth sexting: Young people’s perspectives








Abstract



Prohibiting sexting and encouraging abstinence





Early intervention




Sex(ting) education and interventions



Empowering young people: Peer-based support and bystander intervention



Conclusion



References



8. Chapter 8 – Reducing risk and harm in youth sexting: Conclusions and ways forward








Abstract



Youth sexting as a cultural phenomenon



Rights and ethics



Sexting preventative education and interventions



Taking a new approach to education and interventions



Recommendations for policy and practice



References