By: Amanda Kimball
Sexting is the act of sending sexual messages or pictures through a text or online has become a pervasive social norm among today’s youth. The Journal of the American Medical Association published findings that showed more than 1 in 4 teenagers have received a sext and more than 1 in 7 teenagers had sent one. (Rosenberg, 2018) . While many think it’s harmless, that small act can ruin a person’s life. It only takes one bad breakup or one jealous teenager for an image to go from being a private, intimate text, to being an object of public consumption or ridicule. (Lohmann, 2011)
Taking part in sexting can come with serious criminal charges. If the picture shared is that of a minor, it is considered child pornography, and both participants can be charged. In many cases across multiple states, the youth involved are registered as sex offenders and sentenced to jail time. Such chargers can have detrimental lasting effects from being denied a job, to being unable to rent an apartment. Parents can also risk criminal charges if they know about the sexting and do nothing to stop it. In some circumstances, Child Protective Services can become involved (Gordon, 2018).
Educate and Empower Kids recently interviewed Dr. Jared Tonks regarding the subject of texting. He explained that curiosity is a natural part of sexual experimentation that occurs during puberty but new technology has added dangers that previously did not exist. Which makes it especially vital for parents to have conversations about sexting with their children. He stated “It is important for parents to talk to their kids about healthy expressions love-physical, emotional and social. If they do not, then they will learn from examples online, in movies and social media.”
This is not a conversation that should be delayed until kids have questions, parents should ideally before a child has access to social media and cell phones. A recent review of 39 studies and meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics (JAMA) sexting is becoming more prevalent especially among older teens and even young children are not immune (Madigan, Ly, Van Ouytsel, Temple, 2018).
Parents need to in teaching their children the appropriate use of technology and what their kids should do if they receive an inappropriate text or message. Here are some suggestions:
- , make yourself available for kids to ask questions or to report that something is wrong. Avoid using shame and anger, as that may prevent open conversations.
- Transparency rules should be established as soon as a child receives a cell phone. As the parent, you have a right to , expectations, guidelines, and consequences should be explained before the child uses the phone.
- Discussions regarding appropriate cell phone and social media accounts should be ongoing. Be sure to talk about digital footprints and making good choices with what we send, and post online. Empower your kids with knowledge so they can be protected even when you are not around.
Act preventatively, talk to your kids today. Here are some great books to start the talks or even continue talking to your children: or How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography.
Or Check out Conversations with My Kids: 30 Essential Family Discussions for the Digital Age–A simple, super-helpful guide that gives YOU the words to talk about tough, timely topics of today (like racism, integrity, agency, healthy sexuality, LGBTQI issues, social media, and more).
Amanda has earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho. She is a mother of 3 children and married to a loving husband of 12 years. She loves to go on walks along the beach with her family during the summer and cuddle up for an old classic movie during the winter.
Dr. Jared Tonks earned his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Idaho State University, where he previously earned his Master of Counseling degree. Jared earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Brigham Young University. Dr. Tonks’ career has spanned over 15 years in wilderness therapy programs, therapeutic schools and consultation practices.
Citations:
(Template) Cloyd, A. (2014, July 29). Personal interview.
Geordon, S. (2018). What are the consequences of sexting? Verywell Family. Retrieved from https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-are-the-consequences-of-sexting-460557
Lohmann, R., C., LPCS. (2011) Sexting teens, a picture with consequences. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/teen-angst/201103/sexting-teens?eml
Madigan S, Ly A, Rash CL, Van Ouytsel J, Temple JR. Prevalence of Multiple Forms of Sexting Behavior Among Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(4):327–335. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.5314
Rosenberg, E. (2018). One in four teens are sexting, a new study shows. Relax, researchers say, it’s mostly normal. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2018/02/27/a-new-study-shows-one-in-four-teens-are-sexting-relax-experts-say-its-mostly-normal/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ff99d076a9b3
