Teens Spend Time "Sexting?"

Parents be warned, there's a new trend out on the loose and you're not gonna like it.

Switched.com is reporting that the trend of teens taking risque photos of themselves isn't just epidemic on TV, and it's apparently not going away. In fact, it's getting worse.

If you're thinking it couldn't be your teen, think again.

Researchers from Teenage Research Unlimited have the results of their study where it was found that 22 percent of teen girls and 18 percent of teen boys have taken nude or semi-nude photos of themselves and have then sent them to someone via cell phone text or posted them online.

The study, commissioned by the National Campaign to prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com, found that young adults between 20 and 26 weren't much better with one third admitting to sending or posting racy pics.

It's all in good fun and is viewed as simple digital flirting for the 39 percent of teens and 59 percent of young adults who admit to using "Sexting" as a way of flirting.

It may not be all in good fun though, as the statistics also show hands down that these pics don't stay private like they should, especially after a breakup.

It was reported that one third of teen boys and 40 percent of young men have reported receiving or seeing risque pics.

The danger of negative consequences is well understood to the majority, 73 percent of those surveyed, but the cameras seem to click away regardless.