Sexting, Know Before You Show

Since that first teenager snapped that semi-nude shot on her camera phone, other teenagers have felt the need to follow suit. While “innocent” Abby turns into eye candy in her boyfriend’s phone message, sexting can land her a trip to the “big house.” Parents, encourage the “know before you show” policy. Your teenager needs to know of the dangers he/she faces. Otherwise, your child could be a criminal, alongside every other sex offender in the neighborhood.

What is Sexting?

Sexting is sending sexually explicit texts, videos, or picture messages, through a cell phone or internet. In a recent survey, 39% of teenagers

admit to sending, posting, or receiving sexual based materials.

Little Johnny, at 16, no longer has to sneak around with dad’s latest Playboy issue. In fact, he’s got some things on his Blackberry too explicit for dad’s virgin eyes.

This is an alarming issue with teenagers- Children under the age of 18. Authorities are well aware, and rising to the occasion.

Why Sexting is Dangerous

1. It’s a crime.

Not only are authorities taking a stand by punishing the sender, but also the receiver. If a person receives a picture of someone younger than 18, it’s child porn, and it’s against the law.

Sexting is a felony in many states. This is a crime equivalent to manslaughter, rape, and armed robbery. All of these are felonies. Once convicted, participants have to register as a sex offender, for no less than 15 years. Thirty eight states now include juvenile sex offenders on their list, available to any and everyone.

2. Something intended as private, now becomes public.

She meant for that half nude shot to be a private, adding a “spark” to their 2 week relationship. What about next week, when he finds someone smarter, prettier, funnier? Before long, her picture is around the entire school, 3 times. Girls call her a whore, and guys think she’s “easy.”

Lets face it, teenagers are immature, live in the moment, and don’t have a responsible bone in their hormone raging bodies. Most live for the “here and now.”

What’s worse than the picture getting around the school? How about in 20 years, when she’s a mother herself? The picture is still floating somewhere out there. The thing with pictures and videos is the capability to live, even when the person is long gone.

One hundred years from now, his grown grandchildren are staring in disbelief, at that “special” shot he composed for his girlfriend.

“Know Before You Show”

Many teenagers may not know of the long lasting effects of sexting. I’m sure if you were to ask any of those convicted (which are now sex offenders,) they had no idea.

Lay it out in black and white. Explain the repercussions, and the benefits of not hitting the “send” button. Parents that choose not to have a “sit down” with their children are setting them up for something that can be avoided, altogether.

While you can’t prevent your child from sex messages, photos, or videos, it’s important that he is well informed of what can happen. Then, he is responsible for the consequences of his actions. A child convicted of sexting is a parent’s worst nightmare. Worse yet, is the idea that you did absolutely nothing to save him.

Sources:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/04/07/sexting.busts/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/04/08/galanos.sexting/index.html