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A Look at Sexting
Sexting has been brought on by the advances in technology, and how we deal with it continues to be debated. Recent concerning research has found that 22 percent of teen girls and 20 percent of teen boys have sent nude or semi-nude photos of themselves. Moreover, 29 percent of teens believe that exchanging nude photos are "expected" to date or be popular.
As a nation we are still trying to understand how to punish sexting as a crime and fix it as a problem, with several judges across the nation are dismissing these sorts of cases. For example, while most parents would agree that it's wrong for a 13 year old to send an indecent photo of him or herself to a girlfriend or boyfriend, most of us would also feel uneasy charging and prosecuting that 13 year old for the act. As parents, we'd prefer to handle the matter within our own home and not the courtroom inasmuch as sexting is considered to be a felony crime.
Here are some basic parent guidelines in protecting your pre-teen or teen from the problem.
Dr. Michael Oberschneider, Founder and Director Ashburn Psychological Services
- Talk to your preteen or teen about sex. It's better for you to deal with any discomfort that may arise in this conversation as parents than to have your son or daughter out in this very fast paced world of ours ill-prepared to handle him or herself.
- Discuss the dangers of sexting with your son or daughter – that it's illegal and that the message, once sent, can be resent to others. Ask your teen if he or she would be comfortable having the entire school see their sent photo or message.
- Get your son or daughter's word that he or she will delete any received nude photo or inappropriate message. Your teen needs to know that having possession of such material on their cell phone is a crime, and sending it on, is redistributing child pornography – also a crime.
- You can also direct your son or daughter to ThatsNotCool.com, an informative Website that deals well with the topic of sexting.Lastly, be willing to get professional help for your teenager if needed. Teens may simply sext to be part of things or this behavior may represent deeper, underlying issues (e.g., low self-esteem, self-worth or confidence). As parents, we are often too close to help our teenagers to deal with or resolve their problems.
Ashburn Psychological Services in Loudoun County, VA, is a premiere private assessment and treatment practice. As a multidisciplinary team of highly credentialed specialists, we provide a comprehensive approach including, diagnostic assessments, therapy and medication. Contact Dr. Oberschneider, the director of the practice at: (703) 723-2999 or info@ashburnpsych.com.