Sewalem Tsega (Associate Professor)Henok Mulugeta2025-08-042025-08-042025-05https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/6020The study examines the prevalence, cause, and consequence of sexting and high sexual risk taking behavior among high school students in Lemikura Sub-city, Addis Ababa. With the rapid spread of digital technology and social media, the communication and sexual experimentation of adolescents has been transformed in a manner that invokes concern about associated health and psychological vulnerability. The study used a descriptive mixed-method design with structured interviews and questionnaires among a sample of 2427 selectedstudentswhose age range is 14- 19 using probability sampling. Data analysis using SPSS version 25 identified that social media websites extensive impacts on sexting behaviors, with Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube being major players. The study established a positive correlation between sexting and sexual risk behavior, alcohol and substance abuse, and negative mental health outcomes like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Furthermore, sexting was also observed to have effects on long-term sexual attitudes and emotional well-being, with common results of shame and emotional distress in adulthood. The results demand the pressing need for comprehensive interventions through digital literacy, mental health services, and culturally sensitive sexual education to mitigate risks and foster healthy adolescent development. The findings of the study have implications for the need for concerted efforts among health practitioners, parents, educators, and policymakers in mounting comprehensive programs that address the multifaceted nature of adolescents' sexual and online lives in Ethiopia.en-USsextingadolescent risk behaviorssocial media impactteenagers in high schooldigital literacy and sexual health education.Thesis