SEXTING
The term sexting refers to the sending of
explicit text messages, pictures or video. We often see news
stories about adults involved in sexting scandals - unfortunately
some of our children our following in those footsteps. Both
boys and girls create and solicit one another to create these
photos, as do adults looking for sexual interaction with children.
When a child creates nude or semi-nude photos, not
only are they sexting, which can have both immediate and long-lasting
social repercussions (embarrassment, social isolation, public display
of that image), but they are creating child pornography. The
manufacture of child pornography is a felony offense. Enticing
minors to take these photos is also a felony offense, regardless of
the age of the person asking for the pictures.
For young people the most common (and most
debilitating) consequence of creating these photos is loss of control
over who sees it. It is not uncommon for young people who are
dating or flirting to send one another these pictures, only to have
one party or another distribute the photos after a disagreement or
break up. The photos often race through a school, can end up
posted on social networking sites and become permanently accessible
through search engines. Whether or not someone tries to delete
the image online it will be available in some format and people will
have had the chance to copy, distribute and save the picture.
Sexting can severely limit a young adult's access
to scholarships and leadership positions as well as adversely affect
college admission and future employment opportunities.
Unfortunately, tweens and teens don't have the ability to weigh the
long-term effects of their actions. Below are a couple of key
points to stress when talking to your son or daughter about sexting.
Also included are some very poignant videos of what can, and does,
happen to those photos.
Once You Hit Send You Can't Get it Back
The Internet is Forever
Once You Post It You No Longer Own It - It Can Make It's Way to Anyone
Video: Public Service Announcement,
Think Before You Post
Video: Public Service Announcement,
Choose What Happens Next
Video: What Teens Need to Know
About Sexting
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