Melissa Long: Do you see a different kind of sexting that's going on when you look at the different age groups?

Amanda Lenhart: Well, certainly we see much more of this going on with the older teens. And part of that's because older teens are more likely to have phones themselves, and they're more likely to have had them for longer period of time. Plus, these teens are more likely to be involved in more sophisticated and more romantic relationships than younger teens. So it makes sense that they would be more likely to have experienced this.

Melissa Long: Well, they may see this as a way of socializing, engaging in this sexting. But do they understand the potential long-term ramifications--that they could, in fact, be prosecuted if they're sending these? And this could stay on their record. Do they get that?

Does it encourage them to take a moment and consider not sending it?

Amanda Lenhart: Well, we really heard kind of a mix in the groups. Some kids were very aware of these prosecutions and aware of the questionable legality of sending these images. Other teens felt like, you know what, it's not a big deal. I think this is fun. Other teens felt like, you know what, this is something I do with my girlfriend or boyfriend and this is nobody else's business and this shouldn't be an issue because it is between us.

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