More than 90 percent of teens pressured into sending sexual images were women, a new study finds, with dating partners being the main source of coercion rather than strangers.

Respondents who complied with persistent requests for nude photos were more likely to skip school or experience self-harm afterward, highlighting severe mental health consequences. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, surveyed over 6,200 young adults about pre-18 experiences, revealing that repeated requests lasting over a month or multiple demands often wore down teens into compliance.

Experts stress the need for early conversations about consent and healthy relationships, emphasizing that coercion by romantic partners is far more common than online threats. Parents are advised to discuss potential consequences like bullying and sextortion proactively.

This study underscores a critical gap in understanding teen vulnerability, particularly regarding how dating dynamics can facilitate image-based abuse.