Sexting is the practice of using your cell phone to send sexually explicit messages to others. Is this happening at your child's school? According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, it probably is. They reported last December that 20 percent of teens say they had sent nude photos of themselves. The percentage was slightly higher among teenage girls.

1. Consider whether your child has the maturity to use a cell phone responsibly.
2. Learn and use all of the parental control features available from your wireless provider.
3. Consider incremental privileges when you give your child a cell phone. Begin with only phone calls to parents or other specific adults. Gradually add phone call privileges to friends. Once your child has demonstrated respect for your rules consider adding other features such as texting or Internet access. 
4. Conduct regular, unannounced checks of your child's cell phone to determine if your rules are being followed. Violations should result in the loss of cell phone privileges.
5. Each night, phones are to be given to you and will remain in your possession until the morning.

Talk to your children about the dangers of "sexting," and use the true story above to help explain the consequences of their behavior. Before you get them a cell phone, make sure your children agree to your rules. And by all means, parents, follow through with your supervision!

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