Development and Characteristics of Sexting from Age 14 to 18 Years in a Norwegian Birth Cohort

Sexting, the sending or receiving of sexually explicit texts, images, or videos via technological devices, is common among adolescents. This study examined sexting behaviors in a birth cohort assessed at ages 14, 16, and 18 years (analytical sample: n = 743, 53.7% girls). Results showed receiving sexts was more common than sending them, with frequency increasing with age. Both sending and receiving sexts exhibited significant two-year rank-order stability. Sexting typically occurred on non-anonymous social media platforms (e.g., Snapchat, Instagram), with fewer than 5% using anonymous platforms. Adolescents mostly sent sexts to boyfriends or girlfriends, with the proportion rising from 19% to 27% between ages 16 and 18. At age 14, 19% reported receiving sexts from unknown people, doubling by age 18. The prevalence of sending sexts did not significantly differ between girls and boys, but girls were more likely to receive sexts, especially from unknown individuals and on their own social media platforms. Sex, pubertal status, and biological age did not predict changes in sexting frequency from age 14 to 18. The study highlights the need for interventions and policies that recognize certain types of sexting as part of sexual development while protecting against sexual victimization and associated risks.