Sexting becomes growing cause to teen depression

Research shows teen depression and anxiety has increased by 50 percent.

The number of teenagers admitted to psychiatric facilities with anxiety and depression has raised by 50 percent in just four years, according to the latest figures from the Priory Group. The increase is speculated to be tied to the trend of "sexting," which provokes ill statements and online bullying.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - "This relatively new phenomenon of sexting - where explicit texts and pictures are sent between smartphone devices - seems to have become endemic, and we are not sure of the long-term consequences," said Dr. Natasha Bijlani, a consultant psychiatrist at the Priory Hospital Roehampton, South-West London.

According to the report, "sexting" is considered a form of courtship. However, it is espousing more danger, as it leaves teens open to rude comments and tormenting.

"However, coupled with online bullying, we can expect an increasing number of people suffering issues of trust, shame, and self-loathing, sometimes manifesting itself in self-harming," added Dr. Bijlani, addressing that teens should be properly educated on the consequences of participating in such activity.

"Sexting" is a relatively late phenomenon and experts are still wary of its long-term consequences.

The use of social media sites like, Facebook, Twitter and Ask.fm, are prevalent and becoming sources for further online harassment.

One young lady suffered from continuous torment by people about her weight in 2013. Hannah Smith was among the four teens whose deaths were directly linked to Ask.fm in 2012 and 2013, hanging herself due to the agony.

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