In his closing remarks at the end of the most recent General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson warned us all to avoid the evil uses of the Internet, particularly pornography.
“My brothers and sisters, involvement in such will literally destroy the spirit.” Be strong. Be clean. Avoid such degrading and destructive types of content at all costs — wherever they may be. I sound this warning to everyone, everywhere. I add — particularly to the young people — that this includes pornographic images transmitted via cell phones.”
President Monson was referring to the latest challenge for parents, “Sexting”. Sexting is defined as the practice of sending erotic photos, videos, and messages via cell phone or posting the images on the internet.
Everywhere, young people are taking nude or semi-nude photos and videos of themselves and sending them to girlfriends, boyfriends and others. The recipients of these images will forward them to their friends and so on. Often they are posted to the internet.
According to a nationwide survey by the National Campaign to Support Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, approximately 20 percent of teens admit to participating in “sexting”.
The practice, when involving minors, is illegal; a felony. Already several teens have been arrested and charged around the nation.
Eighteen-year-old Jessie Logan made one mistake and was so ashamed that she took her own life. Please view this report on Fox News. Fox News Report – “Sexting” leads to Suicide
So what can you do as a parent? Talk to your children. Even if you have never heard of sexting, your children have. Take a few moments to educate your children on how to deal with sexting. This will empower them and protect you. They may not be taking photos or video of themselves, but the may have received them from their friends. They may have even forwarded them to their friends which can cause them a lot of grief.
Here are some things you should include in your discussion with your children.
1. Never send or post nude images of yourself or others. If you forward a sexual picture of someone underage, you could face charges of child pornography, go to jail, and have to register as a sex offender.
2. Immediately tell your parents, teacher, or other trusted adult of any nude pictures you receive or see.
3. Do NOT send or post anything that you would not want everyone to see.
You may want to use the Fox New Report above as you speak with your children.
Practice Safe Computing!
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This was an interesting article. I have investigated stalking and harassment cases that involved sexting. After a couple breaks up, one will post these sexting photos on the internet or send them to the victims family members to embarrass or harass them. Once you send a photo to someone, it’s their’s to use as they wish as long as the subject of the photo is not a juvenile. In my state it is not illegal for an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend to show those photos to someone else. My advice: Don’t expect the police to clean up the mess if you send nude photos to your boyfriend/soon-to-be-exboyfriend.
Great information. I appreciate the heads up on this as it initiated talks with my sons about Sexting. Thanks!
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