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A new survey finds that older teens are particularly vulnerable to “sexting,” the practice of sending sexually suggestive or explicit photos or videos via cell phone. Nearly one-third of 17-year-olds have received nude or nearly nude photos on their cell phones, according to a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project.

The messages are often sent by teens who are involved in or hoping for a romantic relationship with the recipient, according to the report. But the practice can have unintended consequences such as widespread dissemination of the photos or legal action.

“Teens explained to us how sexually suggestive images have become a form of relationship currency,” said Amanda Lenhart, Senior Research Specialist and author of the report. “These images are shared as a part of or instead of sexual activity, or as a way of starting or maintaining a relationship with a significant other. And they are also passed along to friends for their entertainment value, as a joke or for fun.” Only 4 percent of teens admitted to sending such messages.

Overall, about one in seven adolescents ages 12 to 17 (15 percent) have received sexually suggestive or explicit photos on their personal cell phones, according to the report. And only 4 percent of 12-year-olds said they had received such pictures. The report found no significant differences by gender.

In the survey, teens also described the pressure they feel to share these types of images. One high school girl wrote: “When I was about 14-15 years old, I received/sent these types of pictures. Boys usually ask for them or start that type of conversation. My boyfriend, or someone I really liked, asked for them. And I felt like if I didn’t do it, they wouldn’t continue to talk to me. At the time, it was no big deal. But now looking back, it was definitely inappropriate and over the line.”

This report is based on findings from a telephone survey on teens’ and parents’ use of mobile phones and six focus groups conducted in three U.S. cities in October 2009 with teens ages 12 to 18. The quantitative results are based on data from telephone interviews conducted by Princeton Survey Research International from June 26 to September 24, 2009, among a sample of 800 teens ages 12-17 and a parent or guardian. “Teens and Sexting” can be found here.

More information on the That’s Not Cool campaign, developed by the Family Violence Prevention Fund in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women and the Ad Council, is available here.