Most worryingly, some sexts have ended up on forums used by child sex offenders, say CEOP.
Whilst technology is giving children, and adults, more ways to connect, socialise and communicate than ever before, the consequences are not always as pretty as we might like to think.
Sexting: The facts
Beatbullying, a UK charity, recently surveyed 2,094 young people in England. They found that:
- One in four 11 to 18-year-olds have received a sext by phone or email
- 23% of messages came from a current boyfriend or girlfriend
- 45% from friends
- 2% from adults
The most worrying aspect of all this is that people, often the most vulnerable, can lose control of the images. Some teenagers are being bullied, called names and pilloried in front of their whole school due to sexts ending up in the wrong hands. Social networking accelerates the transmission of sexting images with uploads from mobile phones being made easier. The answer is not to ban the networks or technology but to understand how it is used and enforce good behaviour.
How to handle sexting
We teach our children the difference between right and wrong, but we do not always take the time to remind them that the same rules apply online and on mobile phones.
Whether bullies or victims isn't it better to make sure children know how to handle situations like sexting?
- We have to talk to our children and make sure they know the golden rules and understand that it applies to their use of mobile phones, PCs and the internet
- We have to monitor their use of technology. If they join social networking Web sites, ask to see any profile or Web page they create
- If they are bullies or victims, it will be clear to you
Is your child a victim of sexting?
If your child is a victim of sexting, they may not tell you about it. Often they are embarrassed, or they fear you will over react, or they fear that you will restrict or curtail their mobile phone or online activities to protect them. If they do not tell you of their own accord, here are some warning signs you should watch for
- Your child seems to be upset, sad or angry after using their mobile phone or PC
- Your child withdraws from friends or activities that they usually enjoy
- Your childs school grades decline, or he or she expresses anger or dissatisfaction with school or a specific class
- Your child shows unusual signs of depression or sadness
Child protection from Crisp
Instant message conversations and social networking are an everyday part of childrens' online experiences. Does your child use Yahoo! Instant Messanger, AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Instant Messenger, Meebo Instant Messenger, MySpace Instant Messenger or Google Talk? How can it also be made safer? Tiscali Child Protection from Crisp has the answer, certainly as far as online communication goes.
You do not have to sacrifice your child's freedom or privacy to protect them.
If the answer is yes then you will need help to ensure your children are protected from online groomers, whilst still being able to enjoy the internet.
Tiscali Child Protection from Crisp is designed to work with instant messenger programmes and the social network site chat rooms your kids use. Privacy, freedom and openness are its guiding principles. Find out more here.
Sanjit Chudha
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