When law enforcement or other authorities exaggerate statistics in an effort to educate or scare youth, they can lose credibility – especially when solid research doesn’t back up their claims. This issue becomes particularly concerning when it involves sensitive topics like sexting. For example, we recently came across a public statement from a school resource officer claiming that “75% of girls in high school have sent out naked pictures.” While this figure might grab a parent’s or caregiver’s attention, it doesn’t reflect the reality backed by research.
What the Research Actually Says
In Canada, reliable data paints a very different picture. Consider these findings:
- Media Smarts Canada (2023): In their survey of teens in grades 7 to 11, only 9% reported having sent a sext. (1)
- Academic Research (2019): A peer-reviewed study focusing on youth aged 14 to 17 found that 14.4% of teens had sent a sexual picture. (2)
In the United States:
- Internetmatters.org (2020): 17% saying they had shared a nude or sexual photo of themselves. (3)
- Cyberbullying Research Centre (2022): 14% of middle and high school students have sent explicit images to others (4)
Clearly, while sexting among teens is a legitimate concern, the claim that 75% of high school girls are involved in this activity is wildly inflated and unsupported by credible research.
Exaggerating statistics like this doesn’t just harm credibility, it can also have unintended negative consequences for the very youth we’re trying to protect. When such an inflated number is presented, it sends a message of normalization: “Everyone is doing it, so why should I.” In reality, sexting is not as widespread as the 75% figure would suggest.
This sense of normalization can, unfortunately, lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Teens who hear that “everyone” is engaging in risky behaviors might feel pressure to conform, thinking it’s just part of being a teenager today.
Instead of resorting to scare tactics, it’s important for educators, parents, and law enforcement who present on the topics of digital literacy and internet safety to rely on accurate data and honest balanced messaging. Open conversations about the realities of sexting, including both the risks and the relatively low participation rates, empower teens to make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed by fear or pressure to fit in.
Relying on exaggerated statistics to address sensitive issues like sexting does more harm than good. When law enforcement, educators, or other authorities present misleading information, they risk losing credibility and fostering a false sense of normalization among teens. As the research shows, sexting is far less common than some alarming figures suggest and portraying it as widespread can unintentionally pressure teens to engage in risky behavior. Instead, accurate, research-backed information should form the foundation of discussions with youth. This approach helps create a more informed, balanced perspective that empowers teens to make safe, thoughtful choices in their digital lives.
By sticking to the facts and avoiding hyperbole, we can help foster a culture of informed caution and responsible onlife behavior among youth.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
References:
2/ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0706743719895205
3/ https://www.internetmatters.org/about-us/sexting-report-look-at-me/
4/https://cyberbullying.org/the-status-of-sexting-laws-across-the-united-states
