sexting- "play" with consequences.
For generation upon generation, young people and adults have been exchanging sexually suggestive and explicit letters, messages and other materials. So sexting isn’t a big surprise or even something that is new. It is part of flirting and foreplay but the ease with which photos and videos can be shared is a major concern. A photo shared between two people can quickly become a viral phenomenon. We have seen this happen with various celebrity or politician photos and sex videos over the past few years.
Sexting for fun
As we are getting to know and flirt with our significant other, talk and text turn to sex. A recent study suggests that 20% of teens (ages 13-19) and 33% of young adults (ages 20-26) have shared nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves either via text or by posting online. Building the heat before the main event.
It is so quick and easy but how much do you trust that partner? What about after a breakup or an argument?
the dangers of sexting
No matter how many others are doing it or how bad someone wants to see, it usually will end up being a regret. As a guy I have been privy to others sexting conversations and/or pictures.
While most parents aren’t going to be this oblivious, consider this: once the "send" button is pressed ,you no longer have any control over who sees it.
- Trophy syndrome – “Look what I got”. As I described above.
- Retaliation – as young folks you are probably not with your life partner yet, which is kinda the point of dating. All good things come to an end and unfortunately it is not always amicable.
- Legal – Photos, videos, and communications, even between minors, could be classified as child pornography. Sender, receiver, and anyone else who might share it could be charged.
- Social – humiliation, bullying, loosing sport or other extracurricular activities, scholarships or even job, as proven by political scandals through time.
sexting solution
These conversations are meant to be private. By sending it through a text or online, who knows how many NSA agents might share it. But here are 3 basic strategies to reduce pressure or even stop the requests.
- Be humorous – send a baby or animal picture.
- Get firm- saying no, "You asked, I answered. Don't ask again." , state that your parents check your phone or computer, or send a text from a different number stating "This is ____'s Dad, don't ask again."
- Turn it around on the asker - "You first. Then let me show it around and see what that does for your reputation."
If he/she is worth it, they can wait to see you to say, in person, those flirtatious nothings. Think before turning it into an electronic media that may bring terrible consequences.
Written by Brian Reihl - ReihlLife.Com EmpowerNetwork.Com
Bio: My name is Brian Reihl (pronounced "real") and my page is the documentation of my family adventure as we travel the country. We recently became a full time family living in a 34' fifth wheel RV. I look forward to having discussions about parenting, travel, marriage, and life in general. So please subscribe and follow the adventure as it unfolds!