Youth and the Dangers of Sexting

This month’s topic is about Sextortion
(Lori Jayne Mayfield)

Today we will be focusing on a serious and painful subject. As discussed before, our youth today have become addicted to social media and texting.  Their world is less face-to-face interaction and more online.  Because of that, along with the fact that their brains don’t fully develop until mid-twenties, it is easy for them to get caught up in conversations and “relationships” with those they don’t really know. Sextortion is a rising crime that has very real and long-term consequences for those youth who are tricked into sending compromising photos of themselves.

Once they’ve sent the photos, they are confronted with threats of their pictures being made public, shared with friends and family.  Often the teen panics, not knowing what to do.  They are embarrassed, ashamed, and afraid to go to their parents.  This is why developing those open, loving conversations with your kids is so important.  They need to know they can come to you about ANYTHING.  Yes, there may be consequences, but you will help them through this situation.

Below is a link to a short film about a young man who was conned into sending a compromising picture. It highlights the severity of this issue. WARNING:   It may be difficult to watch.

https://ourrescue.org/understanding-sextortion#video

Along with the video, there are resources and a free guide to help empower you, as parents, to keep predators out of your home…