Set Clear Expectations and Consequences for Sexting.  

Even after discussing the issues with you kids, there’s no way to guarantee that your daughter or son won’t ever send, receive or keep a sext. Consistent discipline is the pathway to helping your kids navigate the rough seas of adolescence into responsible adulthood. So, set sexting expectations and consequences. Expectations might include:

• No taking photos on your cell phone of anyone who is semi-nude, nude, or engaged in other inappropriate behavior.

• No sending or forwarding of a sext is allowed.

• If you receive a sext, tell mom, dad, a teacher, or other trusted adult about it.

• If you receive a sext, delete it.

• No harassing or bullying of other kids who have been involved in sexting is allowed.

Consider Purchasing Your Child a Cell Phone Without a Camera, or the Ability to Receive Digital Photos.

There are still new cell phones on the market today that can serve a teen’s need for phone and texting, but don’t include digital cameras. You know your child well enough to answer the question, “Does my child really need a phone with a camera?” Purchasing a phone without a camera eliminates the risk of your child taking an inappropriate picture or video and may also eliminate the risk of receiving and viewing inappropriate pictures as well.

Don’t Hesitate to Follow Up.

If you become aware of stories (or actually see photos) that indicate inappropriate photos or videos being circulated among students, don’t assume that another adult knows and is handling the issue. Contact your school officials as soon as possible.

As Close As You Can Come to Safety.

If you are proactive enough to enter into discussions with your child about sexting, and are willing to set specific and clear expectations about sexting behaviors, then the likelihood of keeping your son or daughter safe from the consequences of involvement in sexting goes way up. In a technological culture without a lot of guarantees, this might come as close to safety as you can reasonably hope.

Published April 13, 2009.