Absolutely, our young children are engaging in sexting, and it’s high time we address this issue. Whether they’re teenagers or tweens, it’s happening — yes, even the straight-laced ones, the rowdy ones, the shy ones, and yes, even the “my-kid-would-never-do-that” types.
I’m not here to deliver grim news, but I want to raise awareness. Trust me, I know firsthand. Just recently, I walked in on my 12-year-old son on a Friday night. My son, who I thought would never venture into such territory because he gets embarrassed so easily, was holding his phone in a questionable manner, looking downright suspicious. When our eyes met, I’m pretty sure we both felt our stomachs drop.
In our household, we have a strict no-electronics policy behind closed doors, including bathrooms. I keep a close eye on my kids, and I know they think I’m more strict than “any other mom out there.” I believed I was doing everything right. We have open discussions about these topics, and I try to ensure they feel comfortable approaching me with questions — without feeling ashamed, but also not so open that they become desensitized to serious matters like sex and self-objectification.
But that night, when my son broke the rules, I realized I wasn’t doing enough.
I’ve had tough, honest conversations with my son, pouring my heart into raising him to be a decent human being. And yet, there are moments that crush my soul. I don’t want him to make mistakes that could harm him or others in a moment of teenage spontaneity. And heaven forbid he uses the “everyone else is doing it” excuse.
After I calmed down from the initial shock, we had a heart-to-heart. He confessed, “Mom, everybody does it. Seriously. When they do, it spreads around the school like wildfire. They share the pics and messages — most of the time, no one cares. Some even think it’s a joke.”
He was referring to his friends — bright kids who make the honor roll and stay busy with extracurriculars. Kids who are polite and hold doors open for adults. Kids who, astonishingly, don’t even own their own phones or devices.
It seems some of our children have become so desensitized that they don’t even grasp the concept of objectification the way they should. He also shared about a friend who has a social media account where she posts things to feel “sexy.” When I saw the images and content she was sharing, I was taken aback. Her mother, who I’m close friends with, always insists her daughter is not on social media.
Then there’s another friend who doesn’t own a phone but was suspended for watching porn on his school laptop, which he brings home nightly.
My heart felt heavy. The reality our kids are facing hit me like a ton of bricks, and I’m still trying to process it all.
That night, I didn’t just have to talk to my son; I also reached out to a few other parents. Normally, I stay out of other families’ business, but I knew they’d want to be aware of their kids’ online activities. I personally would want to know, and I hope they would keep me informed too.
So yes, our kids are sexting. Maybe not your child specifically, maybe not right now, but chances are they have been, or will be, exposed to it. How you choose to handle it is up to you, but please address it. Talk to other parents, engage with teachers, and consider attending seminars. The safety of our kids must come first.
This is a challenging and uncomfortable topic, but we have to tackle it. Most importantly, maintain open communication with your kids. Regularly check in, listen, ask questions, and steer clear of judgement. They need a safe space, and that space should be with you.
In case you’re interested in learning more about safe practices, visit this link for valuable insights. Additionally, check out Make A Mom for expertise on home insemination kits, and March of Dimes for excellent resources on pregnancy.
Summary
Our children are engaging in sexting, and it’s crucial for parents to address this issue openly and honestly. By fostering a safe environment for communication, parents can better guide their children through the complexities of modern digital interactions.