Some U.S. teens engage in electronic dating violence and sexting

By Staff Writer

A recent survey reveals that one in 20 teenage boys has uploaded or shared a humiliating or revealing photo of their romantic partner online.

The Cyberbullying Research Center's (CRC) report also found that approximately 10 percent of boys and girls claim to have received a threatening cell-phone message from a boyfriend or girlfriend, according to MSNBC. This nontraditional form of abuse has been called "electronic dating violence."

The CRC, which surveyed kids between the ages of 11 and 18, also found that teens who share their passwords with their partner are nearly three times more likely to be victims of electronic dating violence.

The growing trend of teenagers sharing sexually explicit material has caught the attention of lawmakers in Texas. According to the Austin American-Statesman, two top officials in the Texas legislature recently announced an effort to change a state law that would crack down on teenagers who send nude photos to others.

The proposal would punish guilty minors with a misdemeanor offense, which could lead to probation, classes and restricted cell phone use.

The news provider reports that a 2008 study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy found that 22 percent of teenage girls surveyed said they had been texted or had posed for nude or semi-nude photos.