Adolescents who share sexual images online in response to coercive requests experience significantly worse mental health- and school-related outcomes than those who refuse to share images, according to a
study published yesterday in
JAMA Network Open.
Why It’s Relevant
Sexual image sharing has become an increasingly prevalent and normalized part of youth dating in today's digital culture; however, sexual images may be shared without consent, or adolescents may be threatened or coerced into sharing images. This image-based sexual abuse has been linked to adverse outcomes, such as sleep problems, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and substance use.
By The Numbers
- The researchers assessed reports on 1,886 coercive requests for sexual images—defined as using threats or strong pressure—received by individuals (91% female) before they were 18 years old.
- In 56% of coercive request incidents, adolescents shared a sexual image in response; bisexual individuals were more likely to report sharing an image than heterosexual respondents.
- Respondents were more than three times more likely to share an image if the coercive requests persisted for more than one month and more than twice as likely when requests were made four or more times.
- Respondents who shared images were significantly more likely to report experiencing thoughts of self-harm, engaging in substance use, skipping school, trouble with police, and needing to see a physician or counselor. They were also less likely to disclose the incident.
What’s More
Much of today’s efforts to prevent image-based sexual abuse of adolescents focus on preventing youth from exchanging images with strangers, but the study findings showed that images were much more likely to be sent to dating partners.
The Other Side
The researchers screened for adolescents who were more likely to have experiences with image-based sexual abuse and used social media for recruitment. This resulted in a large proportion of adolescents who identified as LGBTQ+, so the findings may not be representative of all U.S. adolescents. Furthermore, recall bias may have influenced results.
Takeaway Message
“Generally, adolescents need to understand that pressure to share sexual images is harmful, and that for those who feel compelled to share sexual images in response to coercion, the impacts on them can be substantial, affecting schoolwork and mental health,” the researchers wrote. “Adolescents should be provided with skills to help in refusal and resistance when they are feeling reluctant to share an image.”
Related Information
Source
Lisa M. Jones, et al. Adolescent responses to coercive requests for sexual images. JAMA Network Open. Published March 17, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.0739
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/semenovp)