Sexting - is this a big issue? Definitely, yes!
So what is it?
Sexting refers to the act of sending or posting flirtatious, nude or semi nude images or sending sexually explicit texts primarily via mobile phones.
The mobile phone that you gave your child as a birthday gift, if not used wisely, may become something that destroys their life. This may seem a rather wild statement, but if they start sexting, then there can be serious consequences to this behaviour.
Here are some alarming statistics on sexting - 20 percent of teenagers have sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or video of themselves and 39 percent of teens have sent or posted sexually suggestive messages. And many are sending these pictures to people they have only met online. (thenationalcampaign.org)
Looking at these numbers, sexting is definitely an issue that every parent needs to discuss with their children.
The Dangers of Sexting
Usually, teenagers are influenced to 'sext' because they want to show off or entice someone. They feel that this is an effective method of displaying their interest in a potential partner or as their proof of commitment to their partner. Some do it because of peer pressure or just for fun. However, when that relationship or friendship comes to an end, and the other person has highly compromising materials, this is where the problems begin and almost always, there is no fairy-tale ending.
The moment a picture is sent or posted, that's it, you have lost control over it. It is pretty much impossible to take that image back. The recipient can easily forward the photo, make a copy of it, post and share it online with anyone. 'Anyone' could mean the whole world.
Aside from emotional damage caused by having a nude photo shared with the entire community, the teenager's reputation is also damaged. On top of that there are possible legal consequences.
As mentioned, once the 'message sent' is seen on the screen, there is no way that you can take it back; there is no 'undo' button.
The Role of Parents in Sexting Prevention
You are not around for your children 24 hours a day. You cannot control what your teen does when it comes to communicating with friends via mobile phone or social networking sites. However, you can guide them. The best and the most effective way to do this is through talking with them about the dangers of sexting in a non-judgmental way.
Keep the conversation open, leaving room for your children to freely express themselves instead of displaying authority, which results in them, hiding things away from you.
You need to talk to them about how they use their phone, and be brave enough to ask if they have been sexting. If they don't know what this is, tell them, and talk with them about the dangers of sexting.
Give examples of how it has affected the lives of many teenagers and the legal consequences.
While having the conversation, remember to provide enough time for your child to speak out. Pay attention to what they have to say. They may disagree on what is appropriate and what is isn't; however, helping them realize the possible consequences and the dangers of sexting, hopefully will stop them from falling into the trap of sexting.
By AJ Mior
So what is it?
Sexting refers to the act of sending or posting flirtatious, nude or semi nude images or sending sexually explicit texts primarily via mobile phones.
The mobile phone that you gave your child as a birthday gift, if not used wisely, may become something that destroys their life. This may seem a rather wild statement, but if they start sexting, then there can be serious consequences to this behaviour.
Here are some alarming statistics on sexting - 20 percent of teenagers have sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or video of themselves and 39 percent of teens have sent or posted sexually suggestive messages. And many are sending these pictures to people they have only met online. (thenationalcampaign.org)
Looking at these numbers, sexting is definitely an issue that every parent needs to discuss with their children.
The Dangers of Sexting
Usually, teenagers are influenced to 'sext' because they want to show off or entice someone. They feel that this is an effective method of displaying their interest in a potential partner or as their proof of commitment to their partner. Some do it because of peer pressure or just for fun. However, when that relationship or friendship comes to an end, and the other person has highly compromising materials, this is where the problems begin and almost always, there is no fairy-tale ending.
The moment a picture is sent or posted, that's it, you have lost control over it. It is pretty much impossible to take that image back. The recipient can easily forward the photo, make a copy of it, post and share it online with anyone. 'Anyone' could mean the whole world.
Aside from emotional damage caused by having a nude photo shared with the entire community, the teenager's reputation is also damaged. On top of that there are possible legal consequences.
As mentioned, once the 'message sent' is seen on the screen, there is no way that you can take it back; there is no 'undo' button.
The Role of Parents in Sexting Prevention
You are not around for your children 24 hours a day. You cannot control what your teen does when it comes to communicating with friends via mobile phone or social networking sites. However, you can guide them. The best and the most effective way to do this is through talking with them about the dangers of sexting in a non-judgmental way.
Keep the conversation open, leaving room for your children to freely express themselves instead of displaying authority, which results in them, hiding things away from you.
You need to talk to them about how they use their phone, and be brave enough to ask if they have been sexting. If they don't know what this is, tell them, and talk with them about the dangers of sexting.
Give examples of how it has affected the lives of many teenagers and the legal consequences.
While having the conversation, remember to provide enough time for your child to speak out. Pay attention to what they have to say. They may disagree on what is appropriate and what is isn't; however, helping them realize the possible consequences and the dangers of sexting, hopefully will stop them from falling into the trap of sexting.
By AJ Mior
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