Is your teen sending sexually suggestive messages or pictures? Most parents would say no, but the research suggests that our kids may be sexting at alarming rates and we as parents have no idea about it. Sexting has been brought to the media when those text messages get shared with others and then eventually online. Teens are sharing these pictures usually with a friend or boyfriend/girlfriend that they trust. Unfortunately those images are being forwarded to others and taking on a life of their own.
A sexting scandal can be harmful to a teens self-esteem and even to their future. Images shared can find their way onto the internet where they then live forever, following them around their whole lives. Every recruiter or college admissions offer could potentially access that information when reviewing an application for a job or college. Many parents can’t believe that their child is taking part in sexting, but the truth is, it’s possible that they could be. 1 in 5 teens are sexting. Here are some more shocking sexting statistics that parents can’t afford to ignore.
They Are Sending Nude Or Semi-Nude Photos To Their Girlfriends Or Boyfriends
Young love can be difficult. Part of being young is falling in and out of love. We have all been there, unfortunately most of us didn’t leave nude pictures on a cell phone as a parting gift. What happens to those nude photos your child texted to their boyfriend or girlfriend? Some may just delete them, but unfortunately if things don’t end well, those photos can be used maliciously. Did you know that 71% of teen girls and 68% of teen boys who have sent these types of photos sent them to a boyfriend or girlfriend? 21% of girls and 39% of guys sent these to someone that they wanted to “hook up with”. Teach your kids that they shouldn’t send naked or suggestive pictures to their significant others as it may not always end well.
They Feel Pressured To Take Part In Sexting
Since sexting is becoming more and more popular, teens are feeling pressure to do it. 51% of teen girls said that the pressure they receive from a boy is the reason they send those messages. 18% of teen boys do it for the same reason (pressure from girls). Just like the pressure to skip school, try drugs or alcohol, this behavior can be just as damaging. And in some cases, it can be even more damaging. If a teen tries a sip of alcohol, usually that’s it, but if they share a naked picture of themselves, it can damage their reputation for a lifetime.
They Know Those Texts Are Being Shared
What’s even more shocking than how much teens are sexting is the fact that they know that these pictures are being shared 44 Percent of both teen girls and teen boys say it is common for sexually suggestive text messages to get shared with people other than the intended recipient.
What are you doing to prevent your kids from sexting? Talk with your teens today to make sure they don’t become a statistic. You can also monitor their text messages with a parental control for iPhone or Android phone.
About the Author:
Talia Smith is a parent of four and high school teacher. She also contributes to the blog at Phone Sheriff, parental control for iPhone that helps parents keep track of who their kids are texting and what they are viewing online.
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