When people take and send sexually revealing pictures of themselves or send sexually explicit messages via text message, it's called sexting. While experts differ on statistics, sexting in Michigan is a teen reality that's here to stay. Kids sext to show off, to entice someone, to show interest in someone, or to prove commitment.
Sending these pictures or messages is problematic enough, but the real challenge comes when this content is shared broadly. As far too many teens have found out, the recipient of these messages is in possession of a highly compromising image or message that can be easily posted on a social networking site or sent to others via email or text.
The decision to sext is personal, not everyone feels the same way about it. Most teens decide not to sext. Older teens are more likely than younger teens to send and receive sexts. Sexting requires mutual trust, respect and consent. If you sext, it’s important to feel comfortable you should not feel pressured into it. Choosing whether or not to sext is a decision only you can make. Feeling uncomfortable or pressured to sext is never OK.
In a technology world where anything can be copied, sent, posted, and seen by huge audiences, there's no such thing as being able to control information. The intention doesn't matter even if a photo was taken and sent as a token of love, for example, the technology makes it possible for everyone to see your child's most intimate self. In the hands of teens, when revealing photos are made public, the subject almost always ends up feeling humiliated. Furthermore, sending sexual images to minors is against the law, and some states have begun prosecuting kids for child pornography or felony obscenity.
It is very important to explain to your child how to stay safe online, however difficult this conversation may feel. If they know the boundaries that you accept as parents, from the moment they first have a mobile phone, they are more likely to accept these rules. If they have the risks of sexting explained to them, it might help reduce their impulsivity and enable them to challenge peer pressure. If, as a parent, you let your child know you will be supportive and understanding if they ever do feel pressured to ‘sext’, they are more likely to discuss it with you when that pressure arises.
You might think you're only sharing things with certain people, but anyone can save and send pictures and texts to others even with Snapchat or other hidden photo apps. Once it's out there, you have no control over who can see your picture, and no way of getting it back. Even if you delete it from your phone, page, or profile, other people can save or copy the image and spread it around.
Remember, it's NEVER okay to share or post someone else's private photos or texts, even if you're in a fight or don't like them. This is a cruel form of bullying and sexual harassment, and it can really hurt people.
