{"id":22141,"date":"2023-04-17T18:28:12","date_gmt":"2023-04-17T18:28:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parent.bloomforall.com\/?p=22141"},"modified":"2023-06-27T17:43:29","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T17:43:29","slug":"how-to-keep-teens-safe-sexting-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/how-to-keep-teens-safe-sexting-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Sexting: How to Teach Digital Responsibility &amp; Keep Your Teen Safe"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Many young people believe that anything they want to do with their bodies and their phones is their business. They enjoy the privacy and freedom that cell phones give them from their caregivers, but what happens when they use their cell phones to explore their sexuality?<\/p><h2 id=\"what-is-sexting\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Sexting?<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"BLOOM + Kids in The House Present \/\/ What Is Sexting\" width=\"1160\" height=\"653\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eFeOUgPoLDk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure><p>Sexting most commonly refers to the posting or sending of nude or partially nude photos of oneself to another user, usually via cell phone or app. Scary headlines may lead you to believe this is a common practice among preteens and teens with extreme consequences. Although the actual numbers vary, many researchers agree that most preteens and teens are not sexting, and those who are usually aren\u2019t subjected to harsh penalties. However, there are still risks to consider for young people who sext. These tips will help you talk about sexting with your young person so you\u2019re both prepared if it ever becomes an issue.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1160\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-1160x381.webp\" alt=\"Sextortion statistics graphic.\" class=\"wp-image-22149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-1160x381.webp 1160w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-800x263.webp 800w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-320x105.webp 320w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-1536x504.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-2048x672.webp 2048w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-120x39.webp 120w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-90x30.webp 90w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-560x184.webp 560w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-1920x630.webp 1920w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-600x197.webp 600w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/CG_SextortionStats-scaled.webp 2560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\" \/><\/figure><h3 id=\"teen-sexting-stats\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Teen Sexting Stats<\/h3><p>Most teens are not sexting:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>19.3% of teenagers have sent a sext message<\/li>\n\n<li>34.8% of teenagers have received a sext message<\/li>\n\n<li>14.5% of teenagers have forwarded a sext message<\/li>\n\n<li>17% of kids have shared their own SG-SCAM<\/li>\n\n<li>15% of 9- to 10-year-olds have shared their own SG-CSAM<\/li>\n\n<li>Increased rates of initial shares were most pronounced among 9-10 year olds, young boys (aged 9-12), from 7% in 2019 to 18% in 2020<\/li><\/ul><p>The GOOD news is that still, 75-80% of children are not sending in SG-CSAM!<\/p><h2 id=\"the-risks-of-sexting\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Risks of Sexting<\/h2><p>Preteens and teens who take, send, or forward sexting images may face:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Embarrassment if their picture is shown to family, friends, classmates, and even strangers.<\/li>\n\n<li>Bullying or harassment from peers who judge them for sexting.<\/li>\n\n<li>Trouble at school if they have violated a school policy. Some adolescents have been kicked off of athletic teams or suspended from school.<\/li>\n\n<li>Future consequences if the image follows them for a long time. It may be seen by college admissions officers or potential employers.<\/li>\n\n<li>Trouble with the police. In extreme cases, kids can be charged for sending or forwarding nude images of minors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Sextortion or blackmail by someone threatening to distribute earlier sexts and sexual images if they don\u2019t send more.<\/li><\/ul><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"BLOOM + Kids in The House Present \/\/ Sexting And What To Do\" width=\"1160\" height=\"653\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S3tgwP0mK6w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure><h3 id=\"start-the-conversation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start the Conversation<\/h3><p><strong>Ask questions to make it clear you\u2019re comfortable discussing it.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201cHas anyone ever asked or pressured you to sext? Have you ever received a sexy picture from someone?\u201d<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Discuss what characterizes a healthy relationship.<\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201cAny person pressuring you to sext isn\u2019t someone you should trust. Boyfriends and girlfriends come and go, but a sexual image of you can stay around forever.\u201d<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Explain how quickly images can spread online. <\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201cOnce the photo is sent, it\u2019s out of your control.\u201d<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Emphasize the importance of not forwarding sexts they receive.<\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201cYou do not have the right to decide who should see someone else\u2019s body. Forwarding images is a major violation of trust and exposes the person in the picture to potential ridicule. Imagine how you would feel if someone betrayed your trust by sharing a nude photo of you.\u201d<\/li><\/ul><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1160\" height=\"387\" src=\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/Regret-1160x387.webp\" alt=\"regretful teen with hand on head looking at phone\" class=\"wp-image-22534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/Regret-1160x387.webp 1160w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/Regret-800x267.webp 800w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/Regret-320x107.webp 320w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/Regret-1536x512.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/Regret-120x40.webp 120w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/Regret-90x30.webp 90w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/Regret-560x187.webp 560w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/Regret-600x200.webp 600w, https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/04\/Regret.webp 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\" \/><\/figure><h2 id=\"if-their-image-is-already-out-there\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">If their image is already out there<\/h2><p>Luckily, most preteens and teens who have sent a sext do not have their image spread, get extorted, or end up with a court date, but helping young people understand the risks and what steps to take if they or a friend is facing negative consequences as the result of sexting is still important. Here are some key things to discuss.<\/p><h3 id=\"help-them-understand-healthy-sexual-relationships\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Help Them Understand Healthy Sexual Relationships<\/h3><p>Understanding that positive relationships are built on mutual trust and respect is important for young people to realize as they begin exploring dating, relationships, and sexuality. Make sure they understand that they have the right to say no to anyone trying to pressure them into doing something that they aren\u2019t comfortable with.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 id=\"talk-about-the-risks-of-sending-sexts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Talk About the Risks of Sending Sexts<\/h3><p>They likely sent the image in confidence, not thinking that it could ever be shared or used against them. The best way to avoid these risks is to not send explicit images at all.<\/p><h3 id=\"advise-them-to-document-any-and-all-harassment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advise Them to Document Any and All Harassment<\/h3><p>When reporting cases of sextortion, it\u2019s invaluable to have evidence of the harassment. That means making sure children know how to save any messages, images, or files the extorter sends through a website, app, or text message.<\/p><h3 id=\"review-steps-for-reporting-the-extortion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Review Steps for Reporting the Extortion<\/h3><p>Beyond documenting the harassment, victims should block the extorter\u2019s accounts and report the threats directly to the website or app where the harassment is happening. A report should also be made to local law enforcement and NCMEC\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/report.cybertip.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CyberTipline<\/a>.<\/p><h3 id=\"help-minors-remove-their-content-from-the-internet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Help Minors Remove Their Content From the Internet<\/h3><p>Visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.missingkids.org\/IsYourExplicitContentOutThere\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.MissingKids.org\/IsYourExplicitContentOutThere<\/a> to get step-by-step directions about contacting sites and apps like Google and Snapchat about flagging and removing sexually explicit content featuring minors.<\/p><h3 id=\"be-part-of-a-strong-support-system\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be Part of a Strong Support System<\/h3><p>Many victims of sextortion feel a sense of guilt or shame, especially when they may have sent the initial sext willingly. Try to be empathetic to the situation and focus on problem-solving for the present and future rather than dwelling on the past mistake.For more information about sexting and sextortion, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.missingkids.org\/theissues\/sextortion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">http:\/\/www.missingkids.org\/theissues\/sextortion<\/a>, and to view the full breadth of free prevention resources available from NCMEC, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.missingkids.org\/netsmartz\/resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">http:\/\/www.missingkids.org\/netsmartz\/resources<\/a>.<\/p><h4 id=\"it-can-start-early\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">It Can Start Early\u2026<\/h4><p>The following short film explores the #MeToo movement from the perspective of the middle schoolers it follows. It illuminates that the issue starts much younger than you may think and aims to start an open conversation about sexual harassment and assault in schools at a much earlier age. The film has accumulated over 8 million views on YouTube and has been used to teach sexual harassment in schools across Connecticut.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"BLOOM + Sydney Carson Present \/\/ #USTOO middle school\" width=\"1160\" height=\"653\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/THNsuHcocAU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure><h2 id=\"explore-more-about-protecting-your-young-person-against-online-enticement\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explore More About Protecting Your Young Person Against Online Enticement<\/h2><p>Learn how to help protect your preteen or teen online. BLOOM is here to help, whether you are looking for tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/teaching-kids-about-internet-safety\/\">talking with your kids about internet safety<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/18-tips-to-keep-your-teen-or-tween-safe-online\/\">tech security tip<\/a>s to protect them online, or even in-depth and personalized <a href=\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/ask-the-expert-coming-soon\/\">Q&amp;As<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/workshops-coming-soon\/\">workshops<\/a>. Raising young people is hard enough. We are here to help demystify and provide support!<br><em>This article was originally published by Netsmartz and minimally edited for clarity. Read the article in its <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missingkids.org\/netsmartz\/topics\/sexting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>original publication<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn more about sexting, whether or not teens prevalently use it, and how to teach your tween or teen about digital responsibility around sexting.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":187,"featured_media":22535,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[91],"tags":[],"powerkit_post_featured":[],"coauthors":[347],"class_list":{"0":"post-22141","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-digital-life"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/187"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22141"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22141\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22141"},{"taxonomy":"powerkit_post_featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/powerkit_post_featured?post=22141"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=22141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}