Sexting is the act of sharing message, pictures or videos that are sexually explicit in nature.
When our teens finally get the cell phone they had been begging for, we may not have considered that they would use their new treasured technology in this way.
Teens are famous for making impulse decisions, not thinking about the consequences of their actions.
They think sending a naked or exposing photo to their boyfriend or girlfriend is harmless and just for that one person’s eyes, they do not realize that person may send those pictures to other friends or classmates without their permission.
They do not realize the creation and sending of nude photos of people under the age of 18 break Canada’s child pornography laws.
This law applies to more than cell phones it can be applied to all forms of social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or email.
In March, two Woodstock teens aged 13 and 14 were charged with possession and distribution of child pornography by the Ontario Provincial Police.
These teens may not have realized they were breaking the law until it was too late.
It’s scary to think of the severity of these charges when you think of the effect it will have on young impressionable teens.
How can we protect and educate teens about the dangers of sexting?
Parents may worry: how do I bring it up, this topic is embarrassing, what if they ask what sexting is?
Be honest and truthful.
Keep an open mind.
Be sure to allow your teens to voice their opinions and concerns.
Together with your teen, make ground rules for use of cell phones, computers and/or social media.
Make your expectations clear.
Inform your teens of possible consequences such as jail time, unable to go places where there are children under the age of 16, banned by court order from the use of technology such as computers and cell phones, and trouble getting a job in the future.
If teens know what is expected of them and the possible consequences of their actions they may think twice the next time they hit send.
For more information or ideas on how to talk to your teen, please contact the Chatham Kent Public Health Unit at 519.355.1071, ext. 5901.
