Sexting is part of the social media blitz of today’s teen world. How do we help our kids avoid the difficulties associated with it?
Not only are more kids sexting, but they are doing it at a younger and younger age. One third of all middle school and high school kids have had some negative sexual comments or jokes made about them.1
This increase in sexting adds a lot of social pressure. Kids not only worry about the latest styles and fashions and who their friends are, but now the world of sexting is added to the mix.
What can we as parents do about this problem?
- Listen: Open a dialogue with your kids. Ask them how they navigate the social media problems that confront them. Listen to what’s going on in their world.
- Ask questions: Talk with your kids about possible outcomes of their actions. Teens tend to be impulsive and act before they think. Help them look for appropriate ways to handle potential problems.
- Learn about their media world: For instance, screen shots can be snapped of any picture they send to friends. They have no control over who sees them.
- Legal ramifications: Be aware of the laws in your state governing child pornography. If pictures become part of the internet, what is the potential for involvement with the law?
- Talk about cyberbullies. The after effects of cyber bullying can be devastating. Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress can become all too real.
Decide together a good way to handle each situation. Kids are smart and have good ideas. Work together to develop a plan that’s best for your family.
Christy Monson, LMFT and Heather Boynton are the authors of Stand Up to Sexting, An Open Conversation for Parents and Kids. It’s available on Amazon.
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