If you read Part 1: “Is Your Teen Girl Sexting,” you know by now that technology can be both good and bad, especially when it comes to our youth. In particular, you learned about “sexting” – a slang term used to describe the submission of sexual images via text messages. While most parents would deny that their children partake in such an activity, all would be shocked to learn how commonplace it has become.

Image by reinn

The primary culprit behind sexting is low self-esteem. Teenagers (primarily girls) seek acceptance from their peers, and will do whatever is necessary to obtain it. Factor in every teen girl’s desire to feel beautiful and well liked, and occurrences of sexting skyrocket.

What You Can Do

First, talk to your teenage daughter about sex. Make sure she understands her value, both as an individual and as part of a relationship. Praise her accomplishments, and expect certain outcomes from her.

If you suspect your teenager is engaging in “sexting” or other inappropriate behavior, get to the bottom of it:

• Scan your monthly cell phone bill, and look for unusual charges such as pictures, or sudden increases in text or SMS activity.
• Run an online search on your child’s name, and see what results come up.
• Require your child to provide you with all usernames and passwords for all online accounts she uses, and don’t be afraid to log in and poke around every now and then.
• Take a look at the text messages on your child’s cell phone when she isn’t expecting it.
• Locate home computers in public areas of the house, and don’t allow children to take laptops into their bedrooms (if they do, require them to leave the door open).
• Become familiar with texting lingo.
• Use parental control software on your computer.

You can expect your teenager to object to what may be perceived as an invasion of privacy, however you’re not being nosy…you’re being a good parent. If you are firm, and don’t cave in to the initial negative reaction to this change in “policy,” then you will most likely find that the initial negativity will quickly be replaced with acceptance.

Angie Woodward is a Registered Nurse in Wyoming and is the founder and owner/director of Trinity Teen Solutions, Inc. TTS is a licensed Christian Boarding School for at risk teen girls and their families.  Call 307-645-3384 for a free consultation.

        

But what would you do if someone told you they found sexy (or nude) images of your teenage daughter online? Would you believe them, or would you have to see the pictures for yourself? Would you even want to see them?

Image By Pink Sherbet Photography

The fact is that today’s youth are technologically savvy, and not just in Web surfing. The National Campaign to Support Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy estimated this year that roughly 20 percent of teens participate in “sexting” – sending sexual images via text messages.

This is just one of many forms of technological promiscuity, and the trend is growing.

Where They Do It

Technology has provided ample opportunities for teens to engage in sexual behavior. Chat rooms host the crimes of pedophiles worldwide, and social-networking Web sites such as Facebook and MySpace enable youth to create racy profiles. Sexting is a more convenient, spur-of-the-moment form of flirtation that takes place between teens of all ages via cell phone or instant messaging.

Why They Do It

Sexting is due to far more than raging teenage hormones…it’s the result of low self-esteem. Teenagers (particularly girls) who crave acceptance will go to any lengths to receive it, especially if it’s not readily available at home. Add onto that the fact that school is often a competition about who’s prettier or more popular, and the idea of sending sexy images becomes even more appealing.

In our next segment on Teens and Technology, we’ll discuss what parents can do to prevent this and other forms of technological promiscuity.

See Part 2 of our Teens and Technology Series: Monitor Your Teenage Daughter’s Behavior

Angie Woodward is a Registered Nurse in Wyoming and is the founder and owner/director of Trinity Teen Solutions, Inc. TTS is a licensed Christian Boarding School for at risk teen girls and their families.  Call 307-645-3384 for a free consultation.