The newest craze among teens is to send nude or seminude photographs of themselves to others via cell phone or other media sharing devices. Staggering statistics show that your child may be affected. You say, “What’s the big deal?” Anything you send via text or picture message can be shared with others around the world. Nothing is temporary on your computer. There is no “taking it back” once you push send.
Teens and Parents, consider the consequenses.
Teens – one felony is added for each picture and for each time it was forwarded to someone else. Each charge could bring up to 7 years in prison and hefty fines. So if you received a nude picture of your girl/boy friend then forwarded it to 5 of your friends, you could face up to 6 felony charges. That means you could face up to 42 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
Parents – you have the responsibility of talking with your children about the risks associated with sexting and teaching your children how to use technology safely. Teach your children that reporting the receipt of sex text messages to a trusted adult is the only responsible option. Forwarding such messages is considered dissemination and storing it on the phone is considered possession. You have 100% of the decision making power in allowing your child to have a cell phone or another media sharing devise. Talk with your children about the great responsibility that comes with the privilege.
To read more….. SAVE-Parents_vol 2 Sexting and SAVE-Teen_vol 2 Sexting
