FollowSexting- The New Rage
In this day and age it is so easy for teenagers to get online. They can use computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. These devices make is so easy for teenagers to share pictures and videos of themselves with others without their parents finding out. For the most part, this is not a big deal since teens share pictures with their friends all the time. However, there is something called sexting that some teens are engaging in these days. Here is a guide to what parents need to know and how concerned they should be about it.
All About Sexting
What- Sexting is short for sex texting and is the act of sending or receiving sexually suggestive or sexually explicit messages, pictures or videos through a cell phone. Sometimes it can be done online as well but most of the time it is through cell phones.
Why- Many girls will engage in sexting as a way to get attention or because they are pressured by someone else. Many guys view sexting as a normal behavior or as a way to become popular.
The Consequences- Many teens who engage in sexting are not aware that there are consequences that go along with sexting. One of the biggest misconceptions is that they think the messages, images or videos they are sending are not really as private as they think they are. In just a matter of seconds, these are out there for the whole world to see. If these messages, images or videos get sent to others, they can experience public ridicule, humiliation and embarrassment. Also, some states have laws in which teens can face felony charges for sending sexually explicit images.
Talk About It– It is important that parents talk to their teens about how sending inappropriate messages, images and videos can come back and haunt them for many years down the road. Even if they think they are just sending a private photo to their boyfriend, this photo can be posted online, printed and even distributed. People break-up from relationships and one person tries to get revenge by posting these images online for the world to see.
