Sexting

Download yourself a copy of the online booklet called "Relationship Redux: Tips and Scripts for Talking to your Kids about Relationships" (by Bill Albert and Jessica Sheets).

This booklet says:

FAST FACT: One in five teens say they have sent electronically or posted online nude or semi-nude photos or video of themselves.

This behavior is being called "sexting", a play on the word "texting". We've blogged about this topic before (click here for previous article).

Ask your kids if they have sent or posted nude/semi-nude photos/video of themselves. Have they sent explicit messages?

The research indicates that teens who are sending/posting explicit content are trying to impress a boyfriend/girlfriend. Was that your kid's motiviation, too?

Talk about these questions:

Is that really how you want to develop a relationship with someone?

If someone you’re interested in asks you to send a nude picture of yourself what does that say about that person?

Is that someone who is really interested in a meaningful relationship? Remember, you are
in charge of your life—don’t let anyone pressure you to do things that you don’t want to do and that you might regret.

It is also true that many teens are sharing these images and messages with their friends—do
you really want your most private thoughts and images passed around?

Do you really want nude pictures of yourself floating around the internet when you are
applying for college or for a job?