The prevalence and factors associated with sexting among Vietnamese adolescents: a gender-specific analysis

Abstract

Little is known about sexting among the teen population in Vietnam. The study aims to examine the prevalence of sexting behaviors among Vietnamese adolescents and factors affecting sexting behaviors. 724 Vietnamese high school students from 15 to 18 years of age (Mage = 16.65, SDage = 0.60, 57.90% female) anonymously and voluntarily completed a self-report questionnaire measuring sexting behaviors and other related factors. Results revealed that 43.9% of adolescents were involved in at least one type of sexting behavior and 25% conducted at least one type of active sexting behavior. Gender differences were found in all types of sexting, with more involvement of males than females. Multiple logistic regression results showed that sexual sensation seeking was strongly related to all types of sexting behaviors in both genders, and exposure to sexually explicit internet material (SEIM) was associated with all types of active sexting behaviors among female adolescents. Sexting has become a relatively notable form of sexual interaction among teenagers in Vietnam. Therefore, parents, educators, and key stakeholders need to develop effective sex education programs that recognize the sexting behaviors of young people and support them in developing healthy relationships and existing safely and responsibly in a digital age.

Keywords:

• Sexting
• sexual sensation seeking
• adolescents
• exposure to SEIM
• parental monitoring

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research paper is solely funded by VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi under project number USSH-2024.11.