#Sexting is when someone takes a naked or semi-naked (explicit) picture or video of themselves, usually using their phone, and sends it to someone else. We are mostly concerned with these behaviors as they occur among middle and high school students, but adults are most certainly participating as well.
As cell phone and mobile device use grows among junior high and high school students, the issue of teen sexting has reared its head into our communities. From teen chat rooms – where sexting pics are often thought of as 'private' even as terms such as 'Kik sexting' and 'Snapchat sexting' take firm root in our world – to online child predators who literally hunt down and intimidate teens and tweens into sending provocative photos, youngsters are taking naked pics and they are being distributed via phone and internet.
Not only are parents having to deal with the implications of teenagers sending lewd cell phone pictures and texts, but educators and law enforcement have joined the fray as an epidemic of new cases--and the passage of stronger sexting laws – are now affecting others outside the parties involved.
Like so many other teen issues, parents should be vigilant about their student's cell phone use and open the lines of communication on teen sexting. "You have a sex talk with your child, you need to have a sext talk with your child, and Success with teen sexting has a lot to do with communication between parents and children."
While a cell phone was once used to build status, today's teen is now engaging with technology alongside the naturally hormonal days of middle and high school.
The end result, is the potential for sexting to occur as your teen begins to date.
Yet, rather than focusing on teen sexting alone, a honest look at teens and dating can go a long way towards preventing consequences from sharing sexually-explicit photos and text messages with others.
"If you interview teens, a majority will say sexting is bad but, when they are in a relationship, the difference is that trust which develops – they feel [their significant others] have their backs. Unfortunately, once they break up, that is when these pictures are passed around."
Finally, parents aren't excused from this responsibility just because you don't understand the technology.
"This is the communication of today's generation, Understanding today's technology and using it with their teens will bond parents with their teens (because they're using the teen's main communication channel) as well as potentially protect their teens from dangerous situations."
Tips for Talking About Sexting with Teens:
1) Consider a Parent-Teen Cell Phone Contact
Establish expectations and guidelines for your teen and put them in writing.
2) Let Teens Know Their Limits
In addition to choosing appropriate data and text messaging limits, parents should also explain their teen does not own their mobile device. As part of that discussion, discuss the option of placing a monitoring app on the phone so you can track where they are and what they are doing.
3) Know Who They Are Talking To
Keep communication open and revisit these expectations on a regular basis by checking their mobile device for sexting and other problem activities.
Prohibit teens from enabling cell phone passwords and penalize them they do in an attempt to hide their activity. Follow up with your teen about who they are friends with, both online and off.
4) Discuss the Laws, Sexting Consequences
Research online about sexting laws in your jurisdiction, and the fallout from sexting. Read stories with your teen about how sexting has affected teens, from college and job searches, to prosecution and even suicide.
5) Warn Them about Posting, Sending Personal Information
Regardless of medium, teens should be taught never to share identifying information about them through IM, email or text messaging, including school, phone number or home address.
6) When in Doubt, Block Photo Messaging
Most cell phone carriers can block users from sending or receiving photo messages, if they do not offer a plan without this service. If you are having issues with sexting, or are concerned you might, you can always adjust your teen's mobile plan.