An alarming number of teenagers are “sexting”—or texting nude photos of themselves to others, a study showed.

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Over a quarter of teens—31 percent to be exact—have sexted, according to the July issue of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. The study looked at 948 American public high school students—28 percent reported having sent a naked picture of themselves through text or e-mail and 31 percent reported having asked someone for a sext.

The study found that “teen sexting is prevalent and potentially indicative of teens' sexual behaviors.”

The survey participants were 14 to 19 years old and 55.9 percent were female. Both males and females admitted to sexting equally, but, girls reporting receiving more requests for nude photos.

“Teen-focused health care providers should consider screening for sexting behaviors to provide age-specific education about the potential consequences of sexting and as a mechanism for discussing sexual behaviors,” the study said.