What is the definition of sexting? Sexting is commonly defined as the sharing of

1. What is the definition of sexting? Sexting is commonly defined as the sharing of sexually explicit photos, videos, email, text and chat by cell phone or online (O'Donovan, 2010). Why is knowledge about sexting important? Eighteen-year-old Jessie Logan sent a nude photo of herself to a boy she was dating. She later learned that the photo circulated among students at area high schools, and she was taunted as a "whore.“ she hanged herself on July 3, 2008. An 18-year-old youth in Florida was arrested and convicted on felony child pornography charges when, following an argument, he sent naked photos of his ex-girlfriend to dozens of her family and friends. He was sentenced to 5 years‘ probation and required to register as a sex offender. How did sexting emerge? Sexting is a result of advances in technology enabling new forms of social interaction (Davis, 2009). Messages with sexual content have been exchanged over all forms of historical media. Newer technology allows photographs and videos, which areintrinsically more explicit and have greater impact. Who is affected by sexting? Typically, sexting occurs during adolescence, a period marked by rapid growth and change. During adolescence, a major task according to Erikson is exploring one’s identity. Thus self-concept and self-efficacy are compromised. How does sexting affect development? Sexting can result in emotional and behavioral issues such as: Lower self-esteem Depression Anxiety Sexual promiscuity “Acting out” Stress Suicide What is the prevalence of sexting? The Associated Press reported in December 2009 that more than one-in-four teenagers have “sexted” in some form. What does the law say about sexting? Both state and federal laws prohibited the possession of child pornography. Child pornography can be defined as visual pictures on minors under the age of eighteen and thus, the act of sexting meet the legal definition and thus are subject to legal consequences (O'Donovan,2010). Sexting When Sex and Cell Phones Collide: A Resource Guide for Parents

2. How can you educate your child about sexting? Talk with your child about cell phone and Intenet safety. Once something hits cyberspace, it's there permanently. Nothing sent is truly anonymous. Don't take--or send--any pictures of anyone with your phone without their permission. Use your common sense—If the information you are about to send was about you, would you want the world to see it/know about it?If not, don't share it! Let children know that sending nude photos is illegal. If you receive a nude photo of someone, let a trusted adult know immediately! Is counseling necessary for a child who is sexing? Counseling can be used as a resource to assist with the exploration of feelings, cognitions, and behaviors associated with sexting. Thus, counseling can be extremely useful in adddress issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, self concept, and other domains. Where can I go for futher information? The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy CBS News: “Sexting” Shockingly Common Among Teens: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/15/national/main4723161.shtml ABC News: Sexting Teens Can Go to Far: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/WorldNews/story?id=6456834 References: Boucek, S. (2009). Dealing with the nightmare of “sexting”. Education Digest: Essential Readings. 10-12 Davis, S. (2009). Kids face porn charges over “sexting”. Retrieved online on 07/05/2010 at: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=719928 Manzo, K. (2009). Administrators confront student “sexting”. Education Digest: Essential Readings, 13-16 O'Donovan, E. (2010), Sexting and student texting. District Administration, 62-64. Siegle, D. (2010), Cyberbullying and sexting, Technology abuses in the 21st century. Gifted Child Today, 14-16.