What is sexting? Essay

In this age of technology and information, internet and erratic technology devices dominate our nightspot (Burton, L, 2012, p.1), with over 90% of Australians aged 15-17 owning energetic phones (Australian Communications and Media Authority, 2010, 4). Todays teens be in any case overexposed to hinge onual message in legion(predicate) aspects of the media (Burton, L, 2012). This highly innerised digital polish has transformed the instruction spring chicken relate to one other (Walker. S., Sanci, L. & Temple-Smith, M, 2011).One phenowork forceon that has emerged from the increased accessibility of these devices and sexual exposure is the practice of sexting (Society Pages, 2013, 1). The term sexting derives from merging the words texting and sex and refers to the sending of sexually provocative literal from modern communicatings devices (Forde, L. & Hardley, S., 2011). Sexting is presently receiving mass media attention (Walker, S., Sanci, L., & Temple-Smith, M., 2011). It is recognised as one of latest youthfulnessfulness pheno mena in popular culture (Funnell, N, 2012).Although the sharing of sexually explicit material is non a new concept, it has establish simpler with the internet (Walker, S., Sanci, L., & Temple-Smith, M., 2011). Sh atomic number 18d images become part of a squirtlike soulfulnesss digital footprint, which may last forever and contain the potential to damage future flight prospects or relationships (NSW Government, 2008, 3.). The prevalence of sextingA national survey conducted in 2010 by the organisation Understanding Teenagers found that 59% of teenagers incur electroni keyy genetical sexually suggestive material (Understanding Teenagers, 2010, 3). In a nonher survey conducted by the popular teen fe manly child magazine Girlfriend found that 40% of 558 participants had been involved in sexting (fantan of Victoria Law Reform Committee Sexting doubt (PVLRCSI), 2012).In Queensland alone, 459 sexting offences were reported in 2011 (PVLRCSI, 2012) and in Western Australia sexting offences dupe tripled in number from 2009 to 2011 (PVLRCSI, 2012). Research by Ameri plainlyt joint psychologist Andrew Smiler found conf mappingd causes that attri besidese to sexting to express commitment in a relationship, to impress friends, to tire or bully, or as a d ar. tally to an article in the Teacher Learning Network journal,In popular culture, sexting is seen as a young persons phenomenon mobile phones, raunch culture, a lose of inhibition, a lack of respect even a lack of moral philosophy are seen by m both as the perfect storm that has shaped the sexting phenomenon.(Funnell, N, 2012). feeling at sexting through the lens of Sociological conjectureFeminist TheorySexting is recognised as a gender related cut down because young girls feel pressure from the over-sexualised media to present themselves as sexually desirable. Similarly, young men have been conditioned to previse this deportment. Sexting has created a mechanism for young plenty to actualize these expectations (Walker. S., Sanci, L. & Temple-Smith, M, 2011). It is understood that young girls are at greater try of adverse effects than young men by this behavior (Walker. S., Sanci, L. & Temple-Smith, M, 2011). Experts go as far as to claim the possibility of a unify between sexting and gendered sexual violence targeting women (Walker. S., Sanci, L. & Temple-Smith, M, 2011).Womans advocate, writer and loudspeaker Melinda Tankard- Reist discusses in her DVD Too Sexy Too Soon that our company tells young girls their primary value is world on display sexually. Our society has created a culture where sexualisation of young girl is regarded as normal (Tutorial DVD). jean Kilbourne and Diane Levin, authors of Sexy So Soon, argue Boys are surrounded by media messages that bring forward them to judge their pistillate peers based on how they look, often to quite a little them with contempt, and to expect sexua l subservience from them (Burton, L., 2012). An interesting anecdote on the evolution of the womens departure movement from feminist Anne Manne readsThe relationship between womens liberation and the new sexual freedom was never an uncomplicated one. The two movements have often been in tension. Jostling alongside welcome signs of womens new-found status, and a more than than relaxed, tolerant, open and large(p) society on sexual matters, many of the contours of the new sexual liberalism remain shaped by male agency (as cited by Burton, L, 2012).Ms Manne (as cited in Butron, L, 2012) goes on to say that along the substance weallowed sexual liberation to be dictated to by pornography. This view show ups to be supported by many females reported in our media today. In the research paper Underage and Over- exposed Burton (2012) interviewed a young girl who said,Look at most girls role ideals. Most celebrities are average out there at parties, getting drunk and having sex with everyone. capital of France Hilton as much as she is a bad role model to us, she is al slipway in the newspapers and stuff like that so younger generations go out be influenced by he.There are to a fault the recent antics of child star Miley Cyrus and her almost pornographic performances at the VMA Music awards in folk and her raunchy new film clip for hit single tearing down Ball. typic Interaction TheorySymbolic interactionists focus on how communication is central to all human interaction and how these interactions create society (Carl, J & Baker, S, 2011). This theory would view sexting as youth exercising their power to create society. These youth are developing their own standards of what is normal and grateful behaviour (Carl, J & Baker, S, 2011). Youth consider sexting an adult or media-generated concept (University of impudent southeastern Wales, 2013, p.1).Youth do not call this activity sexting, but refer to such behaviour as taking noodz, naked selfies, grungy pics or sexy pics (The University of Melbourne, 2012). However, although this creativity and individualism may be acceptable within subgroups, such as the youth subculture, on a macro instruction aim it often conflicts with the norm (The University of Melbourne, 2012). Symbolic Interactionist Chafetz argues that men and woman get differently men tend to dominate conversation and woman hunt arbitrary rules that men impose.She says Women use body language in ways that weaken their ability to assert themselves, this makes them appear less powerful than their male counterparts (Chafetz, 1997 as cited in Carl & Hillman, 2011 p. 86). Men and woman often act in a default manner associated with stereotyped gender roles. For example, woman use body language and gestures, or in this case nude images, whereas men tend to be more direct displaying their masculinityby demanding these pictures from their female counterparts (Carl & Hillman, 2011).Sexting is a good example of the manifestation of how an individuals exposition of gender develops from everyday interactions (Chafetz 1997 as cited in Carl & Hillman, 2011). In todays society, we are flooded with sexually explicit material and bulk appear desensitised. Psychologist Andrew Smiler verbalisedA porn aesthetic pervades culture in fashion, music, entertainment and behaviour. This is evident in the billboards, music videos and designer stores that shape the desires and imaginations of a younger and younger demographic. It is not just that culture has become more sexualised. It is that the imagery of the pornographic erotic has shaped the sexualisation of culture. (Smiler, A as cited in Burton, L, 2012).Research conducted by Hewlett Packard found that what is communicated visually has more impact than any other form of communication. Their research supports the idea that visual communication derriere be more powerful than verbal communication, suggesting in many instances that quite a little disclose and retain information that is presented to them visually much better than that which is totally provided verbally (Hewlett Parkard, 2004, 1).Sexual images are everywhere, often without words, and are creating a entire new set of community values. These images are encouraging our young rafts sexual exploration and and so reinforcing the behaviour of sexting. Australian be researcher Flood stated that the regular and frequent exposure to sexual content in mainstream media produces greater sexual liveledge and more liberal sexual attitudes among children and young people.Although the media operate at the macro take aim their influence permeates through to a micro level, thus influencing the way individuals communicate. Symbolic interaction provides a useful explanation of how the sub-culture of sexting has developed. Effects of SextingSocial and hornyYouth are readily involved in this activity but are nave as to its consequences. According to Goodings and Everaardt (2010) as cited in of the Parliament of Victoria Law Reform Committee Sexting Inquiry (PVLRCSI)), 2013 the social ramifications house be the most damaging when it comes to sexting. The case of Jessica Logan an 18 year sr. student in America demonstrates the dangers of sexting. The images she sent to her boyfriend were later distributed to hundreds of people and in conclusion ended in her suicide (Forde, L. & Hardley, S., 2011).Although most cases are not as extreme as Jessicas, the mass distribution of these images is common. There are many other detrimental physiological, emotional and social (Goodings and Everaardt (2010) as cited in the Parliament of Victoria Law Reform Committee Sexting Inquiry (2012). Sexting is a dangerous activity and unfortunately the viral spread of these images and the associated shame have reportedly led to social, psychological and legal consequences for victims (Katzman, 2010).LegalOwing to the deftness of technological development, practices such as sexting are not adeq uately cover by Australian law. This is known as cultural lag(J, Carl, S Baker, Scott, Hillman & Larwrence, 2011). Young people who send and receive sexually explicit images may find themselves in serious trouble under various state and landed estate child pornography laws.One specific piece of guild is Part 10.6 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995, which makes it an offence to access, transmit, publish, possess, control, try or obtain child pornography (Forde, L. & Hardley, S., 2011). Furthermore in Queensland, those being convicted of child pornography may too be added to the Sex Offenders Register.Sexting also falls under the category of sexual harassment under S28A of the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Forde, L. & Hardley, S, 2011). These laws are designed to protect children from the call out of adults and many agree that they are ill suited to the affair of youth sexting each other (Forde, L. & Hardley, S, 2011). Those working with children would inge st to be aware that if they capture a data storage device containing such images, or if such images are stored on a school device, material they can also be charged (Forde, L. & Hardley, S, 2011). My RoleAs a youth player I would be involved at a grassroots level in mentoring and supporting of youth involved in this practice. I would also inadequacy to be involved in sex education classes. According to experts it is vital to include youths opinions and ideas if effective solutions are to be found (Walker. S., Sanci, L. & Temple-Smith, M, 2011, p.8). As a youth worker I submit to facilitate this and make sure that youth are given this voice. Christian Youth Work PerspectiveAdolescence is a time of career where human race are forming their identity (PBS, 2011, 1). Young people are searching for truth, shoot for and belonging. Many youth do not have any representation in their life instructing them on how to build and maintain whole relationships and consequently are more lik ely to be involved in spoilt relationships (Burton, L, 2012)Christian youth workers and chaplains have a great opportunity to be in schools educating youth on topics such as identity, purpose and kempt relationships. As a Christian youth worker I want youth to find their true identity in Christ and that they ultimately belong to him. This truth is the most empowering knowledge any human can have and it answers these questions of identity, truth and purpose. Christian EvaluationFrom a Christian sentiment the act of sexting would be seen as sexually degraded behaviour and thus frowned upon because it would contain images that would be considered pornographic. There are countless references to such behaviour in the Bible to support this. In 1 Corinthians 618 Paul writes Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in y ou, whom you have received from paragon? You are not your own you were bought at a price.Therefore honor God with your bodies (NIV). Paul reiterates the sin of sexual immorality in 1 Thessalonians 43-7 It is Gods will that you should be sanctified that you should avoid sexual immorality that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable The Lord will penalize all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life (NIV). The message version of Ephesians 51-4 provides anexcellent example of how healthy relationships are important and without good understanding of them people fall into the trap of immoral behaviour.Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn square-toed behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant . He didnt love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. seizet allow love to turn into lust, setting off a downhill slide into sexual promiscuity, filthy practices, or bullying greed.though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, those who follow Jesus have better uses for language than that. Dont talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesnt fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect. However, it is not the role of Christians to judge the youth involved in this behaviour, but to encourage them to diversity this behaviour because it is dangerous. The role of Church should be to promote healthy relationships and demonstrate Christs love.RecommendationsA community approach is needed if sexting is to be effectively reduced. Parents and the education system need to work together with the youth in order to tackle this issue (Walker. S., Sanci, L. & Temple-Smith, M, 2011). The problem could be intercommunicate through 1. Sex educat ion classes that include advice on (a) the development of healthy relationships, (b) the dangers of sexting and (c) sexual morality and self-image (PVLRCSI, 2012, p.8&9) and (Funnell, N, 2012).2. Providing seminars for guidance officers, counsellors and chaplains in schools to assist them in addressing this issue with their students (PVLRCS, 2012). 3. Incorporating the voice of youth into the attempts to address the issue of sexting (Walker. S., Sanci, L. & Temple-Smith, M, 2011). 4. Schools providing education for parents on the issue of sexting. This should include, (a) the various consequences of sexting, (b) the legal ramifications and (c) how they can impose restrictions on technology more effectively (PVLRCS2012, 2012). 5. Providing a government community service announcement on this issue be, e.g. a television advertisement campaign. 6. Updating the law need to address sexting appropriately.7. Conducting further research on the topic.Reference ListAustralian Communications an d Media Authority (ACMA). (2010) Trends in media use by children and youth Insights from the Kaiser Family sterns Generation. Retrieved 22 swaggering 2013 from, Burton, L. (2012). Underage and overexposed Discussing pornography and raunch culture with students. Screen Education, Autumn No. 58, 58-70. Carl, J & Baker, S. (2011). Think Sociology. J.D. Baker, S. Baker, B. Robards, J. Scott, W. Hillman & G. Lawrence (Eds.) (pp.22-23). French Forrest NSW Pearson Australia. Forde, L . & Hardley, V. (2011). Sexting The legal implications. The National Education Magazine, June Edition, 56-59. Funnell, N. (2012).Sexting Male and female its on for young and old. Teachers Learning Network, 19 (2), 37-39. Hewlett Packard (2004). The power of visual communication PDF file. Retrieved 18 family 2013, from http//www.hp.com/large/ipg/assets/bus-solutions/power-of-visual-communication.pdf Katzman, D.K. (2010), Sexting Keeping teens safe and responsible in a technologically savvy world. Paediatric Child Health, 15(1), 41-2.New South Wales (NSW) Government. (2008)Safe sexting No such thing information sheet for parents. Retrieved 23 idealistic 2013 from, http//www.schools.nsw.edu.au.Parliament of Victoria Law Reform Committee on Sexting Inquiry. (2012). Sexting in Australia The legal and social ramifications. Retrieved 22 August 2013, from ttp//www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/committees/lawrefrom/isexting/subs/S07_-_Salvation_Army_Oasis_Hunter.pdf PBS. (2011). Identity formation. Retrieved 7 September 2013, from http//www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/topic/adolescence/identity-formation Tankard-Reist, M (Tutorial DVD)The Society Pages. (2013). Youth, technology and the problemof sexting PDF file. Retrieved 22 August 2013, from http//thesocietypages.org/sociologylens/2013/04/20/young-people-technology-a