Have you recently discovered your teen is either receiving or sending inappropriate or troubling images? Unfortunately, this has become more prevalent with young people today.
In a study by JAMA Pediatrics the sending of sexually explicit videos, images or messages via cell phone texts also known as sexting — has become more common among adolescents. It also revealed that as the teen gets older, engaging in sext messages increases.
Researchers shared that sext messages were forwarded without consent causing more trouble for the teen than they ever imagined. When sexting is coerced, or when sexts are shared without consent, it can lead to harassment by friends, cyberbullying or even blackmailing.
Preventing Teen’s from Sending Troubling Images
As a parent, it’s our responsibility to empower our teens with the knowledge to make good decisions when they are using all forms of technology and social media. This is when their offline skills will help them make better choices navigating their online life.
The Sext Chat (for parents and teens):
1.Talk about it. Frequently and start early. Stress the importance of safe sharing online. When your kids hear news of sext crime cases, initiate a conversation. Talk about how sexting leads to negative consequences even for adults. Revenge porn is rising every day. It can happen to anyone at any age.
2. Make it real. Kids don’t always realize that what they do online is “real-life.” Ask them to consider how they would feel if their teacher or grandparent saw a provocative comment or picture. Remind them there’s no rewind online and no true delete button in the digital world. Comments and photos are not retrievable.
3. Address peer pressure. Give your kids a way out – blame it on us. Tell them to let their friends know that their parents monitor (and/or spot check) their phones and social media, and you can’t risk losing your devices.
4. Discuss legal and online consequences. Depending on your state, there can be legal ramifications when you send sexual content or even participate in forwarding it. What goes online – stays online. This is your digital landscape.
5. If you receive a sexual message, never engage in it or forward it. Tell your parent or trusted adult immediately. If necessary, contact the authorities or your school.
6. Know that your parent is only a call away. Let your child know they can always come to you without judgment. These conversations are about building trust — our teens may always be an “app” ahead of us, but we will always be the adult in the family – lead by example and be there for them.
Young people are often worried about the consequences of their actions and fear telling their parents or even a trusted adult. This is why having the sext chat is imperative – and it happens frequently as a reminder you are always available to them.
Learn more about why teens are secretive about their online lives — be an educated parent, and become more involved offline about knowing their digital life. You will have safer and healthier teens.
Also read:
Why Short Chats Build Strong Relationships
How to Get My Teen Off Screens and Outdoors
Image credit: Freepik
