Sexting: A Problem Ignored by Many

In a previous BLOG POST, I posted a link to a story about a study that showed one in five teens have sent sexually explicit photos with their cell phones.

From the study itself:
"Nearly 20% of all participants reported they had ever sent a sexually explicit image of themselves via cell phone while almost twice as many reported that they had ever received a sexually explicit picture via cell phone and, of these, over 25% indicated that they had forwarded such a picture to others.  Of those reporting having sent a sexually explicit cell phone picture, over a third did so despite believing that there could be serious legal and other consequences attached to the behavior."
REPORT

Several years ago, I had a very shaken student come to me to show me a picture he had received on his cell phone.  It was a picture of a fully naked girl from our school.  Realizing I was looking at a crime, I contacted the police.  The girl was withdrawn from school during a full investigation.  It was a shame.  She was very popular, and it was a bit of a scandal at the time.

A theme that seems to be recurring with me is that kids may be good, but their judgement is often suspect, which is why we don't put them in charge of life-or-death decisions.  Give them a cell phone, and they have the means to instantly convey their sometimes irresponsible behavior.

Schools can educate children on the consequences, but as over a third of those who sent sexually explicit pictures knew the consequences and did it anyway, the school is left with the function I exercised in my situation.  Reporting to authorities.

Parents have a large role to play in this matter.  They are implicitly responsible for the actions of their children, and should act accordingly.  Randomly go through the pictures on your child's phone.  Talk to them about the consequences.  Know the phone numbers of the people who are calling your child. Check your phone bills for repeated texts from certain numbers.  Be aware, and be there for your child should they come to you with an issue involving inappropriate pictures.

The consequences of not getting involved can be serious, as child pornography is a federal crime.

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