Are You Aware of the Dangers of “Sexting?”

While most teenagers don’t see the harm in sending inappropriate pictures through text messaging, some parents aren’t even aware of this growing trend.

First Presbyterian Day School Counselor Susan Causey says, “When this happens they think they’re just doing something for fun or trying to connect with this person and then suddenly with a click of a button all of his friends and contacts may know and it can be serious consequences.”

It’s the act of sending sexually explicit pictures or messages between cell phones and it’s known as “sexting.” Often, kids don’t think about the impact of their actions, until it’s too late.

“If you asked me is it taking place on a daily basis, I would say very much,” said Sgt. Raymond Reynolds with Macon Police Department.

Around one in four teenagers are involved in sexting.

“You never know where that picture or that inappropriate message that you sent out may end up.”

If a message gets in the wrong hands, a sext can last a lifetime.

These are some things both parents and children should be aware of when it comes to sexting:

• Tell your parents right away if you come across information that makes you uncomfortable.
• Never meet anyone online in person.
• Never send a picture to anyone.
• Don’t respond to mean spirited messages.
• Be wary of video recordings.
• Always obey the internet rules set up by your parents.