Let’s face the reality: our children—yes, even the young ones—are participating in sexting. It’s not just the rebellious teens; it’s also the tweens, the straight-A students, and those you might think are too innocent to even know what it is. It’s happening, and it’s crucial we have this conversation.
I’m not here to spread fear; rather, I want to shed light on a serious issue. I had a wake-up call when I unexpectedly walked in on my 12-year-old son late one night. My heart sank as I caught him in a precarious position with his phone. The moment our eyes met was one of sheer panic and disbelief.
In our household, we have strict rules about electronics—no devices behind closed doors, not even in the bathroom. I keep a close eye on my children, and they often remind me that I’m “way more strict than any other mom.” I believed that I was doing everything right. We have open discussions about sensitive topics, and my kids feel comfortable approaching me without fear of judgment. But that night, I realized I may not have been doing enough.
I’ve had many honest and challenging conversations with my son, and while I’ve succeeded in raising a good human most of the time, there are moments that crush my spirit. I worry about him making mistakes—both for himself and for others. The last thing I want is for him to use the excuse of “everyone else is doing it” when he crosses a line.
That night led to one of the hardest discussions of our lives. After I calmed down, he opened up. “Mom, everyone does it. Everyone. They share the pictures and texts at school, and most people laugh about it.” He was talking about his peers—kids who, on the surface, seem like the model students. Kids who are polite and engaged in extracurricular activities. Yet, it seems that many of them are desensitized to the implications of such actions.
He told me about a friend who has a social media account where she shares posts that make her feel “sexy.” I was shocked, especially since I know her mother well and she has always insisted that her daughter doesn’t have social media. Then, my son mentioned another friend who, despite not owning a phone, got suspended for viewing inappropriate content on his school laptop.
This conversation hit me hard and made me realize the world our kids navigate today is fraught with challenges we might not fully understand. It compelled me to reach out to other parents. Typically, I keep my distance from others’ family matters, but I felt it was essential to inform them about their children’s online activities. After all, wouldn’t I want someone to do the same for me?
Even if your child isn’t currently involved in sexting, it’s likely they will encounter it at some point. How you choose to handle this is up to you, but please, take action. Engage in conversations with other parents, consult with educators, and attend workshops. Most importantly, maintain an open dialogue with your kids. Be there for them and create a judgment-free environment where they can openly discuss their feelings and experiences.
This topic may be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Our children need us to be their safe space.
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In summary, it’s vital to be proactive and informed about the realities our children face. By staying engaged and fostering open communication, we can help guide them through these challenging times.