Sexting: Fun or something else?

The latest weird use of technology: sexting! Stories in the newspapers, on television and of course, on the Internet, concerning teens and the unsettling practice known as sexting--the practice of electronically sending nude or semi-nude images of themselves to others--usually via the cell phone. Despite the student claims of innocent intentions, this type of image distribution of underage children is, in many states viewed as a crime--a Megan's Law crime! However, today's newspapers have stories of state's around the country that are downgrading the severity of the punishments for this type of e-mail or text.

A recent survey that was conducted by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy reveals that 40% of teens admitted to having sent sexually suggestive text or e-mail messages. More than 1,200 teens were surveyed and more than 20% also said they knew someone who had sent these types of messages, or had even sent them out using their own cell phones!

What the heck is going on?! Why is this so common? I think the prevalence of cell phones and the ease of technology lends itself to some students being more openly aggressive and forward because the technology removes them personally from the communication. But this is a problem that our society and our community must face! Students mistakenly believe that the picture they may send to one person will only be viewed by that person--but the stories are out there-one picture being viewed by 100's of students, their parents, grandparents and even pedophiles. From this growing phenomenon, it is clear that most young people do not grasp the seriousness of this practice. Cell phone and texting are such a routine part of their lives they do not see the potential harm "sending a picture" can cause.

Please talk to your children about this practice. Most studies show that the humiliation, bad reputation or parental scorn can have a lasting impact. The threat of embarrassment, parental involvement and our on-going emphasis on education programs that promote smart choices will hopefully begin to stem the sexting tide.

Check their phones. If you don't someone else might!

till next time...