Sexting: A Growing Trend

About a year ago, a parent came to me because they discovered their child had sent extremely provacative photos of themselves to their boyfriend. What I didn't know then, was that this was the beginning of one of the latest cultural trends, termed "sexting". "Sexting" is the practice many middle school and high school students are taking part in where they photograph or video themselves partially or fully nude or in sexually provocative ways and send them to their friends/boyfriends and girlfriends.

CBS news has produced an interesting segment on this practice here.


Here are just a few thoughts to keep in mind.

1. If your son or daughter has a cell phone, then talk to them about this practice and monitor their texts. This can open up some great areas of conversation including talking to them about sexuality, body image, modesty, pornography and more. These discussions can often reveal the heart behind this behavior such as desire for acceptance, belonging and love. And because these desires are not foreign to us we can relate to our kids in new ways and see our need for the gospel together.

2. Remember, teens are impulsive and often make decisions with little regard for their consequences. This can be a way to talk with our kids about thinking through decisions and the consequences they can have both on their present and their future.

3. Don't assume your son or daughter is 'sexting'. It's always best to operate out of foundation of trust rather than skepticism. However, if you have discovered that your kids have been sending or receiving these kinds of texts, don't over react, respond with concern and a real conversation. Accompany this conversation with strict boundaries and accountability for the use of their phones as you re-establish and rebuild the trust in your relationship.

CBS also has an article on this practice here. ARTICLE