Several press reports this week have focussed on “sexting” which involves taking and sending of photographs which can be regarded as explicit or suggestive.

In an environment where social networking sites and user generated content are increasingly popular this latest trend highlights once again the need to promote safe and responsible use of mobile technology.

“Sexting” is being treated as another manifestation of cyberbullying with the Victorian police reporting a rise in cyberbullying activities amongst teenagers including sexting.

It is always difficult to quantify cyberbullying however Kids Helpline says nearly half of their calls on bullying are attributed to cyberbullying.

AMTA continues to widely promote the industry’s advice on cyberbullying noting in particular that the perceived level of anonymity is often central to how young people see cyberbullying. In reality perpetrators of cyberbullying need to know it is possible for them to be indentified and that their activities may be considered illegal.

Importantly people sending images should consider carefully who may have access to them as an innocent and well meant exchange can be misused and become harmful. At the more extreme level, images relating to sexual activity may in fact be illegal and be subject to criminal charges depending on the ages of those involved in posing for, taking, sending or receiving the images.

Given this trend and recent public debate about children, nudity and art, AMTA intends to pursue a direct line of commentary targetting young people via the partnership with the Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) to address issues such as cyberbullying as they arise in the school environment. AMTA’s cyberbullying tips will be central in this context.

AMTA’s bullying tips for teens can be viewed here.

AMTA’s bullying tips for parents can be viewed here.