Recently on our weekday radio show “Priority Talk with Greg Davis,” we visited with the former Deputy Director of Cyberspace Crimes for the state of Alabama. The topic of sexting (sending sexually inappropriate pictures of yourself or someone else via text message) came up that day and really struck a nerve with listeners. Occurrences of sexting have been reported in the news way too much lately and it opens a door for discussion with our kids whether we like it or not.

Recent stats say that 22% of teen girls and 20% of teen boys have sent nude or semi-nude photos of themselves over the Internet or their phones. Believe me when I tell you that number- it is doing nothing but going up as you read this.

Unfortunately, all too often when I ask parents if they have talked with their children about sexting, most seem to shrug it off with a “My kid’s not that dumb.”  I then say two words that really capture their attention: child porn. Although charges of child pornography seem like a legal over-reaction, I hope that by parents knowing this is how law enforcement is likely to respond when teen sexting is brought to their attention, parents will feel compelled to have a serious talk with their teens about it.

So what do you tell the youth in your life about this serious issue?

Tell your teen that sexting is illegal and that they can be labeled as a sex offender for the rest of their lives under some circumstances. Make sure they realize that even if they are not prosecuted for this act that there are still extreme negative consequences like their picture being forwarded, shared or posted to countless others completely outside of their control. Lastly, let them know that it is ok to say, “No” to this peer pressure and that there are other much more positive and appropriate ways to express your interest for someone other than sending a permanent digital record into cyber space.

If you haven’t already, have the talk with your teen today.

Greg Davis

President

First Priority Greater Birmingham