RESUMO
This study utilized a large-scale representative sample to explore the prevalence of sexting and its associated factors among adolescents in Taiwan. A total of 12,954 students in grade 5-12 countrywide were randomly selected to answer the sexting module of an online survey. 13.7% of the respondents reported having ever received sexts on cellphone, and 2.0% had sent sexts to others. The prevalence was higher among older adolescents. Gender differences were also found, in which female students were more likely to receive sexts (15.8% vs. 11.7%), while male students were at higher risk of sending sexts to others (2.9% vs. 1.1%). A series of hierarchical logistic regression were further performed to examine the associations between potential factors and receiving/sending sexts as the outcome variables. Age, gender, and time spending on texting were significantly associated with receiving and ending sexts. Online respect was found positively associated with receiving sexts but negatively associated with sending them. Privacy awareness was found not significantly associated with sexting. As the first national survey on this growing issue in Taiwan, the results of the present study highlighted the existence of sexting among local youth. Practice and policy implications were discussed.
RESUMO
The rise in online sexual exposure and solicitation among youth has heightened concerns. Youth, due to their limited socio-cognitive capacity, face greater risks of online sexual victimization compared to adults. Unwanted online sexual solicitation (UOSS) is a concerning aspect of sexual victimization, encompassing requests for unwanted sexual talks, activities, and sharing personal sexual information or images online. This study, based on target congruence theory, examined UOSS risk and protective factors using a national-representative youth sample in Taiwan. In 2020, 19,556 students (Grades 5-12, average age 15, 50% male) participated in the school-based online survey. Hierarchical linear regression was used to determine the significance of UOSS predictors. Findings revealed a 15.4% prevalence of UOSS. Accounting for age and gender, target-vulnerability variables (self-esteem, bullying victimization, psychological distress) and target-gratifiability variables (online self-disclosure, time spent online) significantly linked to UOSS. Youth who were bullied, had greater psychological distress and online self-disclosure, and increased Internet use were prone to UOSS, while self-esteem mitigated risks. Bullying victimization and online self-disclosure were the strongest correlates of UOSS in Taiwan's youth, followed by psychological distress, Internet usage, and self-esteem. In sum, this study enriches the understanding of UOSS among Taiwanese youth and suggests strategies to prevent online sexual victimization. Enhancing self-esteem, promoting social media education including online privacy and self-disclose, tackling bullying, addressing psychological distress, and furnishing relevant services are crucial preventive measures. These findings offer guidance to parents, educators, and health professionals for supervising and steering adolescents' online conduct, presenting an evidence-based framework to avert online sexual victimization.
