Yes, It’s True—Our Kids Are Sexting, and It’s High Time We Address It

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Let’s face it: Our kids are sexting. That’s right, our tweens and teens—every type you can imagine, from the studious to the rowdy, the socially awkward to the “my child would never do that” types—are engaging in this behavior.

I’m not here to rain on your parade; I just want to shed some light on this issue. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. One Friday night, I stumbled upon my 12-year-old son in a rather compromising situation. Picture this: my son, who’s usually shy and easily embarrassed, was holding his phone in a way that screamed “I’m up to no good.” When our eyes met, I think we both nearly had a heart attack.

In our household, we have a strict policy against electronics behind closed doors (yes, that includes the bathroom!). I monitor my kids closely, and I think they’d agree that I’m one of the stricter moms around. My kids often remind me that I’m “way more strict than any other mom out there.”

I thought I was doing everything right. I’ve had the important conversations, and we pride ourselves on being an open family—open enough that my kids feel comfortable coming to me with their questions, but not so open that they think sex or self-objectification is casual.

However, that night made me realize I wasn’t doing enough.

I’ve had tough, honest conversations with my son about the world he’s growing up in. I genuinely want him to grow up to be a good person, but sometimes I catch him doing things that just crush my spirit. I worry about him making mistakes that could hurt him or someone else—especially using the “everyone else is doing it” excuse.

So, that night, I had the hardest conversation yet. After I calmed down from the initial shock of walking in on him, he finally opened up. “Mom, everyone does it. Everyone. And when they do, it gets spread around school. They share the pictures and texts with each other. Most people just don’t care. A lot of kids think it’s funny.”

He was talking about his friends, those seemingly perfect honor roll kids who hold doors open for me when they come over—kids who don’t even have their own devices! It seems like some of our children have become so desensitized that they don’t realize the weight of objectifying themselves or others.

Then he told me about a friend who has a social media account where she talks about feeling “sexy.” When I saw what she was posting, I was stunned. I know her mother well; she always insists her daughter doesn’t have social media.

My son also mentioned another friend who doesn’t have a phone but got suspended for downloading adult content on his school laptop. My heart felt heavy. This reality check hit me like a ton of bricks, and it’s hard to shake off.

After that tough talk with my son, I felt compelled to reach out to some other parents. I don’t usually meddle in other families’ affairs, but I knew they’d want to know what their children were up to online. Honestly, I would want to know, and I hope they would feel the same about me.

So here’s the deal: While your kids might not be sexting right now, the chances are high that they will be exposed to it. How you tackle this issue is entirely up to you and your family dynamic. But please, tackle it head-on! Talk to other parents, engage with teachers, and attend seminars. Do whatever it takes to keep our kids safe.

This conversation is awkward, uncomfortable, and downright challenging for everyone involved, but we must have it. Most importantly, keep those lines of communication open with your kids. Check in with them, listen, ask questions, and avoid judgment. They need a safe space, and that space can be with you.

For more insights on this topic, check out our other posts on privacy policies here: Privacy Policy. And if you’re interested in home insemination, check out Cryobaby for expert advice.

In summary, our children are navigating a complex world where sexting is becoming alarmingly common. It’s crucial for parents to engage with their kids about these issues, keep communication open, and stay informed about what’s happening in their social circles.