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Teens & Sexting: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Ask a group of teenagers if they know someone who has sent or received a sext (texts with explicit pictures and/or language), and over 80% will say they know of it happening. Our teens are part of a culture that communicates often via texting and other social media. They are also part of a subculture (middle and high school) that experiences a great deal of peer pressure: pressure to conform, pressure to have a boyfriend or girlfriend, pressure to be cool. Surveys show that middle schoolers are particularly susceptible. Teens sometimes participate in sexting because of these pressures. Unfortunately, they are not aware or do not understand the ramifications, both emotional and legal, of sexting.
These texts rarely remain private—a fight, a breakup, an accident can end up with the text shared in a matter of seconds with many others. Emotionally, students may experience shame, guilt, public ridicule, loss of friends and loss of self-esteem. Some may become depressed and even consider suicide. Legally, there are significant consequences: sending or receiving/viewing explicit pictures of underage teens is considered child pornography and could result in jail time and having to register as a sex offender.
Being aware is the best protection against these problems. Being aware that what is put into cyberspace is there forever; deleted messages and pictures are floating around and can be recovered. Being aware of the consequences. Being aware of ways to avoid sexting. Several excellent websites discuss this issue (please see below). We encourage all parents to talk to their teens about sexting and its consequences.
https://www.commonsensemedia.
https://psychologytoday.com/
https://www.teensafe.com/blog/
Pam Asher / Art Teacher, Lake City High School
Thanks to members of our Stand Up, Speak Up Committee for sharing the above information.