health
Harassing text messages on the rise among youths
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 5, 2011
Youths' exposure to online bullying and violent websites has leveled off since 2006, but harassment through text messaging is on the rise, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in Pediatrics.
Researchers surveyed 1,588 youths ages 10 to 15 in 2006 and issued follow-up surveys in 2007 and 2008. Participants were asked about their exposure to violent websites. They also were asked whether they ever were the perpetrator or victim of bullying, harassment or unwanted sexual solicitation online or through text messages.
Researchers found an uptick in violent experiences through text messaging, including harassment, during the study period. In 2007, 0.8% of youths reported being harassed through a text message one or two times a month compared with 3.2% of participants in 2008. Data were not available for 2006 (link).
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/hlbf1205.htm.












