GET A CLUE

Not MY Kid!
You may think your child would never send a "naughty" picture of themselves via text or email, but the fact is 1 in 5 teen girls and nearly as many teen boys have done exactly that. And, the numbers are growing each day.

Why do teens sext?
Why would any teen want to take a risqué picture of him or herself and send it electronically to anyone? The reasons vary: Flirting, taking a relationship to the next level, showing off (“Take a look at what I have to offer,” or “Take a look at what you’re missing out on.”), returning the favor (in response to receiving a sext message), they’ve been asked to (by a friend, boyfriend or predator), or they’re “just joking around.”

Sadly, teens feel so comfortable with electronic forms of communication, they are often unaware or unconcerned about the permanent, devastating and dangerous repercussions of sexting.

What are the consequences?
At a minimum, the photo is shared with friends and/or classmates, is passed on to school staff and parents, and is ultimately posted online for anyone and everyone to see now and forever. One sext message can result in losing friends and being teased in school. It can also create issues with teachers, school administrators, coaches and a teen’s ability to participate in school or team activities. Losing out on a scholarship or job opportunity is likely because a photo on the Internet lives on forever. What’s even worse is that law enforcement is now getting involved, and a teen can face legal consequences, an arrest and possibly jail time.

What to do?
Talk to your kids before it is a problem. Look at your kids’ stored pictures. Discuss the consequences … this issue goes well beyond a photo sent to and stored on a cell phone. A photo can be forwarded on and uploaded then posted online within seconds. Don’t preach. Don’t scold. Engage your teen in a two-way in a conversation.

Here are four resources to help you Get A Clue:

1. How to Handle Sexting, Today Show 2. Internet Safety Tipsheet for Parents 3. What YOU Don’t Know Can Hurt Your Teen, Bob Sullivan, msnbc.com 4. Start THE (Internet) TALK Today, Marian Merritt, Norton’s Internet Safety Advocate