| Abstract [eng] |
Intimacy and romantic relationships play a crucial role in the emotional and social development of teenagers. They help adolescents better understand themselves and others and enhance their social skills. However, it's important to acknowledge the risks associated with engaging in online sexual messaging, as this interaction can have harmful consequences. Teenagers may not be aware of the potential risks involved in sharing sexual content, such as sharing without consent or being susceptible to blackmail. These risks can lead to negative psychological effects on adolescents. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between adolescent mental health, Internet use, and the sending and receiving of online sexual messages. The study utilized data from the "EU Kids Online IV" study conducted in Lithuania, which included a sample of 1,012 children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years. To assess mental health, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was employed, along with questions related to the use of sexual content, the harm caused by sexual content, and risky behaviours among adolescents. The results of the study indicated a link between mental health issues in children and adolescents and the act of sending sexual messages online. Additionally, emotional problems in this population were found to be positively associated with requests from others to share sexual information about themselves. |
