What
is sexting and how can we talk to our teens about the issue?
Sexting is when
people take sexually revealing pictures and send them as text messages or
attachments.
Youth send these
messages for a variety of reasons: some send them to show off, some to entice
someone, to show interest or in some cases to prove commitment. There are also
some youth who are pressured into sending these messages.
What
can we do about sexting?
Remember there is
no need to panic. This is an opportunity
for discussion. Don't wait for this to
happen to your child, have the conversation now while the issue is all over the
news.
I.
Start
by hearing from your teen.
The following questions are
recommended by www.NetSmartz.org and
can open the discussion.
- Have
you received a sexual message or picture on your cell?
- Has
anyone asked you or pressured you to send a nude or sexual picture?
- Do
you think it is okay to send these images? Why?
- What
could happen to you if you send or forward a sexual text message or naked
picture with your cell phone?
- How
likely is it that images intended for one person will be seen by others?
II.
Next
you can start to discuss the consequences.
The most important point to get across is, "Think before you hit the send button!"
Remind your child:
- Not
only could you face school suspension, you may face trouble with the law including
child pornography charges. If you forward, you are as responsible as the
original sender.
- Once
you press send you can't control where the image may travel.
- Never
take images of yourself that you wouldn't want everyone to see.
These
points are suggested by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Common Sense Media.
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