PREVALENCIJA SEKSTINGA I RIZIČNIH SEKSUALNIH PONAŠANJA KOD MLADIH: ZNANJE I SVIJEST O ZDRAVSTVENIM POSLJEDICAMA
PREVALENCE OF SEXTING AND RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIORS AMONG YOUTH: KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF HEALTH CONSEQUENCES

Summary/Abstract: Sexting, defined as sending or receiving sexually explicit messages, photos, and videos via digital devices, is an increasingly common form of communication among young people. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sexting and risky sexual behaviors among youth aged 17 to 25, as well as to examine their knowledge and awareness of the potential health consequences of such behaviors. The research was conducted anonymously using an online questionnaire with a sample of 96 participants. Results showed that 34.4% of respondents had experience with sexting, mostly sending messages to partners in emotional relationships. Additionally, 16.7% of young people reported having one-night stands, while 19.3% stated they always use protection during sexual intercourse. Half of the respondents had no sexual experience, while among those who did, most initiated sexual activity after the age of 18. Although 58.3% of young people believe they have sufficient knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, their primary sources of information are the internet and social media, while parents and school programs play a secondary role. It is concerning that 17.7% of those who engaged in sexting reported feelings of shame, stress, and anxiety, and the majority believe that sexting can negatively affect mental health. The results highlight the need for more comprehensive sex education that includes digital literacy and emotional safety for young people in the context of modern forms of communication.

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