28% of American teenagers “sexted” nude photos (sent nude photos of themselves electronically), according to a new survey.

About half have been asked to do so, while one third has asked someone else to do so. The 28% of teens who did sext were also nearly twice as likely to have actually had sex.

Though boys were more likely to ask for sexts, girls were just as likely to actually send them. But girls who sexted were also more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors like using drugs and alcohol before having sex, or sleeping with multiple partners.

Talk with your teens about what they do with their mobile devices. Also ask them what their friends do. Get the conversation going. Ask them directly if anyone has asked them to do anything inappropriate.

For more information, read the article “Nude Photo ‘Sexts’ Sent By One In Four Teens, Study Finds.”

Parents may also find the following articles helpful:

• “Parenting the Internet Generation“
• “The Internet Safety Project” (a BYU effort to educate parents, teachers, and teens about the benefits and risks of technology)

What have been your experiences? What ideas or counsel would you give to other parents? Share your ideas in the comments below.