How can you protect your child?

Don’t wait for an incident to happen to your child or your child’s friend before you talk about the consequences of sexting. Talking about sex with teens can be uncomfortable, but it’s better to have the talk before something happens. Remind your kids that once an image is sent, it can never be retrieved – and they will lose control of it. Ask them how they would feel if their teachers, parents, or the entire school saw the picture, because that happens all the time. Talk about pressures to send revealing photos. Let them know that you understand how they can be pushed or dared into sending something. Tell them that no matter how big the social pressure is, the potential of social humiliation can be hundreds of times worse.