Sexting and Your Child

According to the National Campaign to Support Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy an estimated 20 percent of teens in American have participated in the illegal activity of "sexting". Sexting is using your cell phone to send nude, or semi-nude, photographs via a text message. In some cases, even sexually suggestive photographs of minors have came under legal fire. Whether the child sends or receives the photograph, it is still considered a felony under child pornography laws. While some will argue that charging a child with child pornography is ridiculous, the fact remains - as the laws stand right now, they indeed could face a felony conviction.

As A Parent, What Can You Do?

Obviously parents should make children aware of what sexting is, educate them on the laws regarding child pornography, and openly discuss what they should do if they receive a "sext" on their cell phone. This isn't something that a parent should take lightly, or pass off as kids simply being kids. The potential legal ramifications are far too great! Some child psychologists are now suggesting there may be underlying problems that you should also be aware of. Issues of low self esteem, a desire for attention, these things can sometimes be warning signs that a child is suffering from emotional or even mental problems. Communication is key to determining what your child may be thinking and feeling regarding their own self esteem and self image. Inappropriate behavior, regardless of the form, is often the first sign of a more serious underlying problem.

When Talking Doesn't Work

If you've talked to your child about sexting but you've been made aware that they are still participating in the activity - take a stand. You are the parent, and a cell phone is a privilege, not a right. Demand to see your child's phone and check it's contents yourself. If they have nothing to hide, this should not be a problem. If they've password protected their phone, advise them their phone will be taken away until they provide you with the password. A child can not be expected to fully comprehend the possible ramifications of sexting, but as a parent - you are. You are more than aware of the legal issues, not to mention the possible future damage that inappropriate pictures of your child in the wrong hands could cause them. Your child will demand a right to his/her privacy, but as the parent, you have to make them aware that privacy is earned through gaining your trust. If you feel your child has been engaging in sexting for attention, you might want to share with them the stores of others who've had inappropriate photographs of themselves surface. Beauty Queens, Senators - it's happened far too often. Let them see how damaging to a career, a marriage, and a life, that these images can potentially be in the future.