What is Sexting?Sexting is the act of sending lewd and pornographic photos via cell phone or posting online. While most commonly practiced by teens, 10-year-olds have been caught up in it due to the influence of older siblings. Most teens and tweens have given no thought to what happens the moment they hit SEND. Images have appeared on child pornography sites and have gone viral (every kids in school has a copy).
“I sent you mine, so you have to send me yours.”
Peer pressure is a big factor in sexting.
What Can I Do About It?
• Educate your children about the dangers of sexting
• Consider purchasing a phone without photo capabilities
• Talk to them about the spiritual ramifications of sexting
• Purchase an accountability device for their cell phone
• Educate yourself about upcoming technology
• Maintain an open line of communication on the topic
• Urge congress to update child protection laws
10 comments:
This is so scary! We had a nude photo of a teen male sent to our daughter's phone. fortunately, she didn't see the photo (I did). We called took the phone to the police and they found the sender. He is 17 and admitted to sending it. He said it was intended to go to someone else, but even so he shouldn't have sent it at all. This ended up going all the way to the FBI. Kids have to be taught that their actions have consequences before it's too late for them.
JoAnn,
you are so right. And the scary thing is the dumb stuff they do at 16 will still be floating out in cyberspace for years to come.
So sorry you had to deal with this. Good to know you were looking out for your daughter and caught this before she saw it.
I can't watch the video here at work, but I've recently heard of sexting through a friend. It's one of the main reasons our almost 16 year old daughter still doesn't have a cell phone.
I sure am glad I have a toddler. Whew ... but I do have nieces and nephews. Thank you for sharing!
Flea, the phones without picture capabilities are hard to find, since technology is zipping by us so quickly, but they are out there. I would look into those or just get a system to monitor her cell. Boys are just as susceptible as girls and many teen girls will send out photo's to get boys interested in them.
Beth, the dangers of all this technology in the hands of our children and grandchildren is only increasing. We need to diligent, aware and ever praying.
Most cell phone providers offer usage controls for a nominal fee. You can control with whom your child communicates via picture, text and phone on their cell phones. You can also decide what time they are able to use their phones, meaning, you could shut down access to anyone but Mom, Dad and 911 after 9:00 on school nights. Contact your cell provider for more information.
Maryland Mom,
That's great to know. Thank you for sharing the information.
It is also important for teens to understand what the true consequences of this can be. Under the law right now, teens can be charged as sexual predators and be listed as registered sex offenders for sexting. Advocacy groups are trying to change the laws so kids don't have their stupid mistakes follow them forever, but as of now, sexting can lead to much bigger trouble than most kids realize.
Hello I am Valerie Lynn and I found your blog through Sharing Life With Lisa's Blog. I am so glad that I did.
I love you blog and you have a deep rooted faith in God. God bless you and take care.
I will be back to visit. If you don't mind, may I add your blog to my blog roll? I like to ask before I add a blog.
God bless and have a wonderful day.
Valerie,
I’d love it if you added me to your blog roll. Thank you so much for stopping by. I’ll look forward to *seeing* you here in the future.
Blessings,
Jan
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