What is sexting? Sexting is the sending or receiving of sexually explicit messages, often including nude or semi-nude photographs or videos.
Recently I was having a laugh with a friend of mine about her daughter taking a photo of her bottom while she was getting dressed. This was totally innocent she said but it got me thinking. Why? Because if her daughter had sent it to someone then it would have been considered sexting and the consequences for my friend who is a teacher could have been devastating.
Thank goodness that in many countries sexting is illegal and the ramifications can be lifelong as it is considered a sexual offence. Sexting is on the rise, particularly when we have devices connected to the internet in our hands for most of the day. Many teens think that it is a part of a normal sexual relationship, or they are pressured into doing it.
Sexting can have a lifelong negative effect on your physical, social and emotional well-being. It can not only affect you but also your family as well as your digital and personal reputation.
How do we educate our children that sexting is not okay?
⭐️ Like my friend, don’t just ignore the opportunity to talk about sexting, in an age appropriate way of course when the opportunity arises, (you could say nudes or half nude -many people say that anyway if you don’t want to say sexting).
⭐️ Tell your child that it is against the law.
That it is not funny.
⭐️ Educate your child about when and how it can happen and that it is important that they always can come to you if they feel pressured to send or have received a sext.
⭐️ Have guidelines around consent and boundaries in real life and online.
⭐️ As soon as your child gets a phone set expectations and boundaries.
⭐️ Talk specifically about one’s online reputation and digital footprint and that they really will have no control where the photo ends up if it is sent to others.
⭐️ Teach your child about public and private parts from an early age, in real life and online.
⭐️ Get help if you need it.
⭐️ Most of all keep conversations, open and ongoing.
As parents and educators, let’s consider how we can bring up conversations in the everyday about sexting that will change mindsets and stop our children from sexting.
