A NEW study published in JAMA Network Open has found that many teenagers who are pressured into sharing sexual images are most often coerced by people they know, particularly dating partners, rather than strangers online.
The research, which surveyed more than 6,200 individuals aged between 18 and 28 about their experiences before the age of 18, examined how image-based sexual harassment occurs, who perpetrates it, and how victims respond both emotionally and behaviourally.
Findings showed that more than 90 per cent of respondents who reported receiving coercive requests for sexual images were female, and over half of them complied.
These requests were most commonly made by dating partners, rather than strangers or individuals known only through online interactions.
Lisa Jones, a research professor of psychology at the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire and one of the study’s authors, said public perceptions of such abuse may be misleading.
“Media coverage of ‘sextortion’ and its effects can give the impression that ‘the greatest risk comes from people you don’t know online,’” she said.
Although stranger-related cases do occur, she added, “this kind of victimisation is much more likely to happen by someone you know, and even someone you’re in a relationship with.”
The study also found that prolonged or repeated pressure increased the likelihood of compliance. Participants were more likely to send images if requests continued for more than a month or were repeated four or more times, suggesting a gradual wearing down effect.
Those who complied with coercive requests were also more likely to experience negative outcomes, including skipping school or having thoughts of self-harm after sending images, compared with those who resisted.
Jones said the findings form part of broader research into adolescent exposure to image-based abuse and its mental health implications.
She also noted a concerning pattern in disclosure, with respondents who shared images being less likely to report the coercion to others.
“I think that’s really concerning,” she said.
“Our messaging really should be around helping them understand it’s not their fault, that it is important to reach out and get help.”
Experts say the findings reflect broader behavioural and social pressures faced by adolescents. Sameer Hinduja, a professor at Florida Atlantic University and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, said young people often feel compelled to comply in order to maintain relationships.
“It is typical for adolescents to want to feel desired and accepted and not perceived as ‘lame’ or a ‘prude,’” he said.
Debby Herbenick, director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University, said young people frequently lack the tools to resist coercion.
“young people don’t always know how to respond to coercion and, all too often, send a nude,” she said.
Herbenick advised parents to engage children early in discussions about digital behaviour and relationships, including the risks associated with sharing intimate images.
She suggested encouraging adolescents to consider consequences through questions such as, “Who benefits? Who loses?” and to reflect on how individuals are treated when images are shared.
Jeff Temple, a professor and psychologist at UTHealth Houston, emphasised the importance of ongoing communication between parents and children.
“The absolute No. 1 thing you can do is talk to your kids,” he said, adding that such discussions should not be limited to a single conversation but should continue over time.
He stressed that conversations should address healthy relationships, consent and responsible digital behaviour, particularly as children gain access to devices capable of sharing images.
The study’s findings come amid broader concerns about the prevalence of sexting and image-based exploitation among adolescents, highlighting the need for awareness, early education and support systems to help young people navigate coercion and its consequences. - March 21, 2026
