When Sexting Crosses the Line: Educator Responsibilities in Supporting Prosocial Behaviors and Preventing Teen Dating Violence

• In Event: Gender in the Lives of Teachers, Pupils, and Youth

Abstract

This proposal presents findings from a systemic review of literature that examined adolescent sexting within the United States and in its various formats. It also reviewed relevant federal and state policies. It discusses the tensions between sexting as empowerment and a form of teen dating violence (TDV). It considers how existent policies and educational practices as relevant to youth rights and educator responsibilities in the support of prosocial adolescent behavior and TDV prevention. Importantly, we found few empirical studies on sexting as relevant to traditionally underserved and marginalized adolescent subgroups. Our review thus underscores existent research, as well as highlights areas of need related to study, policy, and practice.

Authors

• Melinda Lemke, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Kate Rogers, University at Buffalo - SUNY