If you have watched Dr. Phil, there was a show about texting. This also has been on the news.

Sexting is sending nude or partial nude pictures through text on phones. Texts can include sexual explicit information, not just pictures.

A statistic that I heard from www.freedombeginshere.org said that 39% of teens between 13-16 years of age receive sexually explicit texts which can be broken down to 1 in 5 girls receive them. Boys can recieve them as well and of course both can send pictures or texts.

It can be frightening to a parent with this information. Technology is a very fast way for teens to get information, talk to friends, receive unwanted pictures and be involved in situations that are way over their head.

What can a parent do?

1. A parent needs to talk to their teen about sexting. I know it may be uncomfortable but as a parent, it is your JOB to talk about things that may feel uncomfortable. It’s very important because teens need to know the truth, not just what their friends may say.

When you talk, ask about their thoughts on sexting; what do they understand and if they are concerned about what can happen. When you hear their opinion on this issue, you will be able to know where their maturity level is and they will be a part of the conversation and not just being told, “No, it’s wrong”.

2. Disable the multi-media ability on your teen’s cell phone. You are paying the bill, you are the parent. It’s okay for you to do this. If your teen is angry about it, that’s okay, he/ she will live!

3. Install software on the computer (not yet available for the cell phone, I think). The software for the computer will show what your teen is looking at. You can check out www.covenanteyes.com for a free trial.

4. When you look at your cell phone bill, you can look at the spikes in the data. The spikes will show you how much your teen is sending and receiving.

5. Talk about the damages that sexting can do: teen could be charged as a sex offender, the pictures could be posted on the computer and may not be able to work at certain companies, could be in trouble with police. Also, talk with them how they feel about the pictures being sent. Are they creating the image they want to be known for?

Communicating with your teen is very important on all topics, not just this one.

Freedom Begins Here and Covenant Eyes are websites regarding pornography and how a person can get help. Sexting may not totally be labeled as porn but it’s not G rated either.

As parents, it’s YOUR job to demonstrate to your teen healthy living; helping them to make wise decisions and giving consequences when necessary.

Having your teen share their ideas about sexting will help them feel a part of a solution, not just another problem to be grounded for.

Two other ideas: Check on your teen and his/her phone calls. Monitor his activity. Set up rules about phone use, what will be the consequences when the rules are broken and for how long.

The other idea is the teen does not have to have a cell phone. If the teen does not have a problem with sexting, then this may not apply to them. If they do, your teen WILL survive without a cell phone. They are resilient. You may be the “worst” parent, but you are doing your job to protect your teen as much as possible.