“We had an assembly during sixth period. It was about sexting and stuff.”

“Sexting?” Gail asked.

“It’s when you send sexy pictures or text messages on your cell. The main point of the talk was that you can go to jail if you do it because it’s considered pornography,” Ellie explained.

Gail asked, “Do you understand why sexting is wrong—not just legally?”

“Well, I know God made me and He made sex, and I don’t want to share either with just anyone, much less everyone,” Ellie said.

“Your dad and I have taught you God’s way because He knows what’s best for us. If you ever doubt that, will you please talk to me about it?”

Sexual sin is nothing new, but today’s advanced communication and graphic technology allow sexual messages to spread quickly and with a degree of separation that tricks people into feeling safe from consequences. As you help your own teen or those in your church or community navigate the challenges of adolescence, emphasize the value of sex as God designed it. Keep the conversation about sex ongoing and open. Explain the benefits of sexual purity and the dangers of promiscuity of any kind. Help them see the long-term effects of not just creating images and texts that don’t go away but of giving part of their hearts away permanently. Finally, set boundaries on media time and be involved in their media world. Sit down together regularly to go over their online presence and history. You are your child’s God-ordained guide and protector, and you have the privilege of pointing their hearts toward Him in all things.