ABSTRACT
Objective@#To explore the prevalence of sexting among secondary vocational school students and to examine the correlation between sexting and mental health, so as to provide evidence for prevention and intervention on adolescents mental health.@*Methods@#In April 2021, three secondary vocational schools from central urban area, outskirts and outer suburbs in Shanghai, among 1 580 students were selected by cluster sampling.@*Results@#The proportions of students who received and who forwarded others private photos or videos were 11.96% and 2.78%, respectively. The proportion of students who sent others personal photos or videos was 2.54%. And the proportions of boys were higher than those of girls ( χ 2=45.89, 24.09, 6.66, P <0.01). The results of multivariable Logistic analysis showed that compared with those who had never sexted, students who had ever had any sexting were at higher risk of anxiety ( OR=2.40, 95%CI =1.59-3.61), depression( OR=1.86, 95%CI =1.25-2.75), non suicidal self injury intention ( OR=2.34, 95%CI =1.48-3.69) and suicidal intention ( OR=2.96, 95%CI =1.83-4.79)( P < 0.05 ).@*Conclusion@#There is a significant correlation between sexting and mental health among secondary vocational school students. The latent risks of sexting should be included in the curriculum of comprehensive sex education for teenagers to enhance their media literacy and decision making capability, so as to prevent sexual assault or abuse caused by sexting and promote sexual and reproductive health and as well as mental health of adolescents.