Does you teenager have their own cell phone or have access to the computer? If so, parents you should be aware that your child may be sending or receiving inappropriate messages, texts, photos, or videos of themselves. In order to keep your child safe, you should randomly check their phone and monitor social media applications to see what type of activity they are involved in on their cell phone or computer. Many teens are participating in a different form of sexual activity known as sexting. Sexting is the act of sending elicit messages, photos, or videos to others using a cellular devices, social media, or the Internet.
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only. All opinions reflected in this post are my own and may differ from your own opinions.
Many Teenagers May Feel That Sexting is Safer than Having Sexual Intercourse
Many teenagers feel as is sexting is safer than engaging in sexual intercourse; however, they may not fully understand the potential danger that they may find themselves in if they are caught sending elicit material. Not only can sexting damage your online reputation but it can lead to an pornography addiction or become a victim to cyber-crimes. In fact, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to participate in sexting and if you are caught sexting you possibly be charged with soliciting child pornography. A child pornography conviction can lead to long term problems, especially, if your child ends up on the national sex offender list as a registered sex offender.
17 comments
Wow! What a world we never had to deal with! Smoking was a big enough acting out in the late 80’s! Hope we can keep our kids away from this! (and worse!)
I agree. Thank you for sharing.
Wow! It really is a different world these days. Thanks for sharing.
Yes it is Andrea. Technology is nice but it has its drawbacks as well.
Wow, didn’t even know this was going on. How things have changed. Makes me wonder what the issues will be when my daughter gets to be this age.
I can relate Katy, I have a toddler as well.
I cannot believe how out of control this world has become!! Who thought texting would lead to this?
I agree Becky.
Cell phones, like everything, have good and bad potential. It is, as you said, so important to monitor what your teen is doing. it’s also very important to teach them and to demonstrate to them the values you want them to incorporate into their lives, both while texting and in every other area.
Yes Gina, monitoring is very important.
We have three teenage boys and I’ll tell ya what, some of the things these girls have texted our boys actually made me cringe. We keep checking though, because my kids will rue the day if I ever catch them at this.
They don’t get it yet…this stuff is in cyber space FOREVER!
*sigh*
Yes, you are correct Sharon. Kudos to you and your boys for monitoring what they do. Keeps them honest. 🙂
My teenage sister did this when mom caught her she freaked out not that I blame her.
Finally got 'round to reading this! I'm not sure of the law here in Ireland actually, must check that out. Thanks for letting me know.
Thank you for reading this post Sally. I do live in the US and the laws may be different.
Although my children are not yet teenagers, it is very useful for me to learn from your article about this. Thank you Christy.
Although my children are not yet teenagers, it is very useful for me to learn from your article. I was also curious about how I should cope when my children are of this age. Thank you Christy.