Is Your Teen Sexting On Their Phone?

Is your teen sexting or participating in the “hook up culture”?  Statistics show that 22% of teen girls and 20% of teen boys have sent nude or seminude photos of themselves over the Internet or their phones.  Why, they don’t think about the repercussions.  They want to show off their bodies.  Girls want to entice the guys they’re attracted to or they think they’re proving that they’re committed to the young man they’re dating.   Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on teen sexting.

 

In reverse, boys think it’s cool to approach girls via text using sexually graphic content.  Social grace is nonexistent.  There are sites set-up to give examples of how to send a sexting message.

 

parenting tips

 

Times have changed and Teens are Sexting.  We live in a world that revolves around modern technology and it’s here to stay.  Teens don’t realize that the person they sent the picture or text to is now in possession of material that can prove damaging.  Too many times we have heard about the text or image being sent to others or being posted on a social networking site.  Unfortunately, once it’s sent you can’t retrieve it.  Both teenage boys and girls have forwarded the images to others.  They in turn have passed the image on which has lead to humiliation in school, parties or other social situations.  Sadly, it’s hard to undo the damage.  And, people are revengeful.

So, many teens have said they felt pressured by their boyfriend or girlfriend to send the picture.  Teen pressure is not unusual.  Also, they feel the same pressures with drinking and doing drugs.  As a result, sexting is just another social pressure.  What can you do to prevent your teen from sexting:

 

 

parenting tips

 

 

 

  • Set aside time to have a serious discussion on the damaging affects of sexting.
  • Let them know that they’re in control of their body and reputation.  They should never allow anyone to pressure them into sexting.
  • Give them an example.  A great one would be the beautiful and talented Vanessa Williams.  She posed nude in college and the photos came back to haunt her when she won the Miss America Pageant.  She resigned her crown as a result.    Don’t want to use Vanessa Williams, Google to find other examples of teens who have been harmed.
  • Set rules on phone use.  Kids need structure and guidance and a cellphone shouldn’t be an exception.
  • Discuss the meaning of privacy and intimacy.  Would they want family members or friends to see the photo?  If not, they shouldn’t want the world to view it either.
  • Discuss dating etiquette and what’s acceptable.  You set the rules or assist your teen in setting rules.
  • Discuss the legal ramifications.  Since I am not an attorney, I would suggest that you consult a family lawyer in your state for advice.

 

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