- \n
- What is Sexting?<\/a><\/li>\n
- How Do You Know if Your Teen is Sexting?<\/a>\n
- \n
- How Common is Teen Sexting?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why Do They Sext?<\/a><\/li>\n
- What Apps are Used to Sext?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Emojis as Sexts<\/a><\/li>\n
- How is Sexting Affecting Teens?<\/a><\/li>\n
- The Emotional Fallout of Sexting<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- How to React to Sexting as a Parent<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Keep Your Child Safe Online<\/a><\/li>\n
- Keeping Your Teen Safe from Sexting<\/a><\/li>\n
- FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What is Sexting?<\/h2>\n
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antoniodiaz\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
The term sexting<\/em> refers to the act of sending sexual text messages, images, or videos, which are also known as sexts<\/em>. The phrase first emerged in the early 2000s, reflecting the growing availability and accessibility of digital devices. Examples of sexting include making sexual comments or suggesting a sexual activity, sending nude or semi-nude photos, or making other types of sexually explicit comments or suggestions. Is sexting normal<\/em>? Between consenting adults, yes. Between minors, or an adult and a minor, no.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the difference between sexting and cybersex? Cybersex is any type of sexual activity that uses the internet; therefore, sexting is a form of cybersex. Sexting is legal in the US for consenting adults but is illegal when a minor is involved<\/strong>, with some states having specific laws relating to this.<\/p>\n
For consenting adults, sexting can be a way to build intimacy, flirt, signal trust and affection, have fun, experiment sexually, or retain a feeling of intimacy in a long-term relationship.<\/p>\n
How Do You Know if Your Teen is Sexting?<\/h2>\n
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Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Determining whether your teen is sexting can be challenging, but there are certain signs and behaviors to watch for. Here’s how you might know if your teen is involved in sexting:<\/p>\n
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- Increased secrecy with their phone or other devices\u2014If your teen becomes more secretive about their phone, frequently changing passwords or hiding their screen when you\u2019re around, it could be a sign of sexting.<\/li>\n
- Sudden spike in messaging activity\u2014Noticeable spikes in messaging activity, especially late at night, might indicate that your teen is engaging in conversations that they want to keep private.<\/li>\n
- Becoming more anxious, withdrawn, or defensive\u2014Teens involved in sexting may experience anxiety, guilt, or stress, leading to mood swings.<\/li>\n
- Avoiding discussions about online safety\u2014If your teen avoids conversations about online safety, relationships, or sex, it might indicate discomfort due to their own actions.<\/li>\n
- Unexplained purchases, such as prepaid phones\u2014Some teens may use prepaid phones to sext without their parents\u2019 knowledge. If you notice unexplained purchases, it could be a red flag.<\/li>\n
- Discovering explicit content on their device.<\/li>\n
- Hearing concerns from peers or friends.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How Common is Teen Sexting?<\/h3>\n
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Ground Picture\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
If your teenage child uses a phone or other digital device, it\u2019s important to consider the possibility that they\u2019re sexting. How common is sexting among teens? A 2021 study published<\/a> in JAMA Pediatrics<\/em> demonstrated that sexting is becoming increasingly common among adolescents, with at least one in four teens receiving sexually explicit emails or texts, and at least one in seven teens sending sexts<\/strong>. The study also revealed that more than one in ten teens had forwarded sexts without consent.<\/p>\n
Why Do They Sext?<\/h3>\n
It\u2019s important to think about why teens engage in sexting. One of the key reasons for teen sexting is peer pressure. Teenagers can often feel intense pressure in this regard, and the fear of becoming an outsider within their social group, which encourages them to do things without considering the consequences, however inappropriate. Other reasons teens sexting occurs include obliviousness to the consequences and a perception that such behavior is considered \u201cnormal.\u201d Plus, of course, when young people are in the throes of first love<\/a>, infatuation can easily get the better of logic, leading to teens sharing sexual messages or photos.<\/p>\n
On top of this, teens may use sexting to gain attention from their peers\u2014as well as the fact that their still-developing brains mean that they\u2019re naturally subject to impulsivity. Many teens also have a false sense of confidence regarding some messaging apps, which claim to delete messages once they\u2019ve been read by the recipient.<\/p>\n
What Apps are Used to Sext?<\/h3>\n
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pikselstock\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
While there are some apps dedicated to sending sexts, the vast majority of teens (and adults) sexting use a standard messaging or social media platform or site such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or an email app to send or share messages, pictures, and videos.<\/p>\n
Emojis as Sexts<\/h3>\n
Emojis can be used as part of sexting, too, with some of the common chat symbols used, often in terms of their placement in the chat, to suggest a sexual message. Such emojis include the hotdog, eggplant, tulip, honeypot, peach, fireworks, and water droplets.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important for parents to be aware of these types of emojis, and their potential combinations if they\u2019re concerned that their teenager is sexting.<\/p>\n
Read more: A Guide to Understanding Emoji Slang (For Confused Parents!)<\/a>.<\/p>\n
How is Sexting Affecting Teens?<\/h3>\n
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Sylvie Bouchard\/Shuttertock<\/p><\/div>\n
Sexting can have a huge impact on teens, potentially negatively affecting their mental health, creating confusion about what constitutes a healthy relationship, and even landing them in hot water in terms of their school or the law.<\/p>\n
a study<\/a>\u00a0carried out in 2018 and featured in\u00a0Pediatrics<\/em>\u00a0drew attention to the potentially devastating results of phone sexting. With twenty-three states in the US regarding sexting among teenagers as falling under the crime of possessing child pornography, a conviction can result in jail time and an entry on the relevant sex offenders register.<\/p>\n
The Emotional Fallout of Sexting<\/h3>\n
Sexting can take a huge toll on a teen, especially if the sext gets into the wrong hands, is shared, or is used as an act of revenge in the wake of a break-up for example. It can lead to bullying<\/a>, and isolation, causing the affected teen to feel extremely anxious, and even depressed. They may feel too embarrassed or ashamed to reach out for help. Feeling as if there is no way out is common in cases where sexting has gone \u201cwrong.\u201d<\/p>\n
Things that are posted online have a tendency to hang around, meaning a sexual image that\u2019s been shared could crop up and compromise an individual\u2019s reputation in years to come. After all, even if it\u2019s been deleted from the original platform on which it was shared, there is no way to know how many times it was viewed, shared, or reposted. Knowing this causes teens even greater stress, adding to the sense that there\u2019s no way to remedy what has happened.<\/p>\n
Related: Online Counseling for Teens: Free and Accessible Resources<\/a>.<\/p>\n
How to React to Sexting as a Parent<\/h2>\n
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BearFotos\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Now we\u2019ve had a look at the definition of sexting and how it can affect your teen, it\u2019s time to turn our attention to how to address and respond to it as a parent.<\/p>\n
Speaking openly about sexting is key<\/strong>, however cringey this may feel. The last thing you want is for your kid to learn about sexting from someone else. It can be tempting to assume that sexting\u2014and its possible consequences\u2014is something that could never happen to your teen. Remember, though, that it\u2019s in a kid\u2019s nature to experiment, and warning them about its dangers is one of the best ways to keep them safe.<\/p>\n
When talking to your teen about sexting, it\u2019s important to discuss the potential emotional and legal consequences of this activity. Encourage your child to consider how they would feel if a sexually explicit photo of themselves was shared, and think about the hurt and embarrassment this could cause. Be sure to tell them, too, that even if they\u2019re in a romantic relationship and engage in sexting with their girl or boyfriend, it\u2019s often illegal for a minor to possess explicit images\u2014even of partners.<\/p>\n
This is a good opportunity to talk to your teen about the importance of knowing who we are sharing information with online. Even forwarding or sharing what may seem like a harmless joke could have serious consequences and cause hurt and embarrassment to the person involved.<\/p>\n
If you discover that your child has been using their social media account or messaging service to send sexts, knowing what to do can be really difficult. It\u2019s vital to avoid shaming kids<\/strong>\u2014no doubt they already feel mortified. Here are some of the steps to take:<\/p>\n
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- Talk about what\u2019s happened immediately.<\/li>\n
- Outline the possible consequences; you may wish to consider taking away their phone or monitoring their communications for a set period.<\/li>\n
- Discuss the potential implications of sending a sext, such as blackmail, coercion, legal ramifications, stalking, and cyberbullying<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Regardless of whether your teen was the one to initiate the sexting, suggest they ask the recipient to delete the images or messages in question.<\/li>\n
- If an image of your teen has been posted without their consent, contact the relevant website\u2019s administrator and request it be removed.<\/li>\n
- Depending on the nature of the sexting, it may need to be reported to the authorities. This is always the case where it involves an adult and a minor.<\/li>\n
- Take the opportunity to set (or reinforce existing) rules around the use of phones and other devices, dating, and what is generally acceptable when it comes to devices and relationships.<\/li>\n
- Create a home environment in which sexting is a subject that can naturally come up and be discussed\u2014it\u2019s important to keep the conversation going.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Read also: Parenting the Teen Years: Strategies for Effective Discipline and Connection<\/a>.<\/p>\n
How to Keep Your Child Safe Online<\/h2>\n
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Motortion Films\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Create an Atmosphere of Open Dialogue<\/h3>\n
Try to create an atmosphere in your home in which your teen feels able to talk to you about any question they have or issue they\u2019re experiencing. Ensure they understand that you love them unconditionally, and will support them no matter what. Aim to have open, honest dialogue, even about difficult subjects such as sexting, so that nothing is viewed as a no-go topic for conversation.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a good idea to introduce the subject of sexting, and staying safe regarding this, in time\u2014don\u2019t wait for an incident to potentially happen before talking about what sexting is and its dangers.<\/p>\n
Establish Phone Ground Rules<\/h3>\n
If your child has access to a phone or device that connects to the internet, it\u2019s important to set (and stick to) ground rules regarding usage from the start. Many parents allow their kids to use a phone on the condition that they can periodically check their child\u2019s messages and general use. Where children have been found to violate the rules in place, phone privileges are suspended.<\/p>\n
Make the Most of a Child Safety App<\/h3>\n
![\"teen](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/08\/Banner-Kids360-EN-2-1024x683.png\")
<\/a>The Kids360 app<\/p><\/div>\n
- Why Do They Sext?<\/a><\/li>\n
- How Do You Know if Your Teen is Sexting?<\/a>\n
![\"teens](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_2294494035.jpg\")
![\"is](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_2318059097.jpg\")