Study Finds Surge in Teen Sexting, Raising Sextortion Risks

Nearly 1 in 3 youth reported receiving a sext, and almost 1 in 4 said they had sent one, representing a marked increase since 2019.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A new national study from researchers at Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire found a concerning surge in teen "sexting," which frequently exposes them to serious risks, including sextortion, coercion and privacy violations. The study explored the prevalence of sexting behaviors, related negative outcomes, and differences across age, race, gender and sexual orientation.

Why it matters

Sexting has become normalized in some peer groups, a trend amplified by increased reliance on digital communication during and after COVID-19. The rise of AI tools also makes it easier to create realistic sexual content without actual sexting, which can be used in sextortion schemes. This study underscores the urgent need to move beyond simple 'don't sext' messages and instead provide youth with meaningful education around consent, boundaries and digital safety.

The details

The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, used a national sample of 3,466 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. It found that nearly 1 in 3 youth (32.4%) reported having received a sext, and almost 1 in 4 (23.9%) said they had sent one. These numbers represent a marked increase from the researchers' 2019 study using the same methodology, where 23% had received and 14% had sent a sext. Youth who sent sexts to someone outside a current relationship were more than 13 times as likely to have their image shared without consent, and nearly five times as likely to experience sextortion.

  • The study was published on February 13, 2026.

The players

Sameer Hinduja

Co-author of the study, a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice within FAU's College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, and a faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard University.

Justin Patchin

Co-author of the study, a professor of criminal justice at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center.

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What they’re saying

“Sexting has become normalized in some peer groups, a trend amplified by increased reliance on digital communication during and after COVID-19. The rise of AI tools also makes it easier to create realistic sexual content without actual sexting, which can be used in sextortion schemes.”

— Sameer Hinduja, Co-author, professor at FAU (Mirage News)

“Supporting teens in developing digital literacy and healthy online habits is just as important as guiding their in-person behavior. By teaching youth how to recognize risky situations, protect their privacy, and make informed choices online, we can reduce harm while respecting their autonomy. It's not about fear or punishment – it's about equipping them to navigate a complex digital world safely.”

— Sameer Hinduja, Co-author, professor at FAU (Mirage News)

The takeaway

This study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive education and support for teens around digital safety, consent, and healthy online behaviors, rather than simply telling them not to sext. By empowering youth to make informed choices and protect their privacy, we can reduce the serious risks associated with the growing prevalence of teen sexting, including sextortion and nonconsensual sharing of intimate images.