Tips on talking to teens from Academy of Pediatrics & Nat’l Institutes of Health.
The Stats
Teens & Sexting
One in five teens has sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or videos of themselves.
Talk to your Kids
Online Lives Forever
Teens should understand that nothing online is ever really deleted.
Friends, parents, teachers, coaches, strangers and potential employers can receive or find past posting.
Even if a text or image is deleted, it can be copied and posted somewhere else.
Get Real
Sexting Consequences
Teens should understand that they can be arrested, charged and convicted for possessing and distributing child pornography, even if the images are of themselves.
Sexting can also lead to expulsion from school and impact chances of getting into college.
Get Social
Learn the Tools
Learn about applications and social networking sites first hand.
Experts say there is no better way than to have a profile or use the app yourself. It will also enable you to connect with your kids and monitor their behavior.
Get Involved
Ease the Pressure
Experts say that peer pressure can play a major role in the sending of texts, with parties being a major contributing factor.
Collecting cell phones at gatherings of tweens and teens is one way to reduce this temptation.
Join Forces
Talk with Other Parents
Talk to other parents about what apps their teens are using.
Ask your kids about those technologies as a starting point for discussion.
