A photo shared between two people can quickly become a viral phenomenon. A child may believe it will be kept private and then discover it has been shared widely with their peers, sometimes with grave consequences. These include arrests of teens who shared photos of themselves or other underage teens and suicides of teens whom had their photos shared.
Important Points for Teens and Kids about Sexting
• Photos and videos sent privately can easily be shared with others, even if using apps that promise privacy and images removal after a brief time.
• Once digital images are out there, they leave a digital footprint, especially online. You can't "take it back." Deleting post or message is no safeguard against it having …show more content…
This is of concern where there is already a power imbalance in a relationship or an issue with self-esteem. Boys may not realize they are, in fact, pressuring girls.
• Sexting can fall under federal child pornography law, with potential felony prosecution of the teen who sends or receives it, and parents who allow it. State laws are evolving and some states have more leniency and wider discretion in how it is prosecuted and whether it is a felony, misdemeanour, or lesser offense.
What Parents can do about Sexting?
The best approach to talking about Sexting is to take a non-judgmental and informational one. Keeping the dialogue open leaves room for your kids to talk with you rather than hiding things away. Remember that the word "Sexting" was coined by the press. Kids may have a different name for it. Try some simple conversation starters to break the ice:
• "Have you heard about this Sexting thing? Do you know anything about it?"
• "I was watching TV/reading the news the other day and saw a story about some kids who got in trouble for sending (sexy/nude) pictures to friends. Did you hear about