The Real Parenting Show

This week on The Real Parenting Show with Dr. Pete & Sara… recent news stories of teenagers being charged with sex crimes as a result of sending naked photos on their cell phone, a practice that has been named “sexting,” illustrates another in a growing list of issues facing parents today that we did not dream of 15 years ago.

These reports have documented severe long-term impact of sexting when the pictures that are sent are of a minor, even though a teenager doing it might feel like it is an innocent practice or private matter at the time.  The ease with which sexting can be done (it just takes a cell phone or digital camera) makes this a particularly important issue for parents to consider.

It can be helpful to consider some of the reasons that a child or adolescent would even consider sexting:

• Curiosity
• Opportunity
• Peer Pressure
• Relationship Pressure
• Revenge
• “Everyone’s Doing It!”

Because the consequences of sexting are so serious and potentially damaging to a young person’s life, it is essential that parents educate children and teens about these consequences.  Prosecution, jail time, identification as a registered sex offender, and significant financial costs can all result from sexting.

Regardless of whether a parent feels that these consequences are an overly harsh response to sexting, the fact is that these consequences are really happening to adolescents who are sexting. An effective way for parents to approach this topic is to “use the news.”

Dr. Pete explains how to do this effectively… in fact, he’s used this technique with his own teenage son. Besides educating children and adolescents, is also important to help teenagers be less vulnerable to participating in sexting.

Even more important is to help kids feel a sense of belonging and strong self-esteem and self-worth so that they are less vulnerable to participating in sexting.  Building healthy self-esteem helps a teenager avoid the desperation for affection and belonging that might lead to them feeling like the only way to get a boyfriend is to send naked photos.

It is also important that parents stay involved in their teenagers’ lives, know their friends, and help them stay socially active and feel a sense of belonging.  An emotionally well-adjusted and socially connected child or adolescent who is aware of the severe consequences of sexting is much less likely to engage in this.

So tune in to this important episode of The Real Parenting Show with Dr. Pete & Sara… and remember, even though you may not always feel like it, you are the most influential person in your child’s life! If you have any questions or topics you’d like to suggest for future shows, please comment on this blog or call 877.980.2828. Click below to listen to all of Dr. Pete’s straightforward advice and practical tips for real parents raising real kids in the real world, and we hope you’ll subscribe to get our podcast each week.

Dr. Pete and Sara are also the co-authors of Stress-Free Potty Training, A Commonsense Guide To Finding The Right Approach For Your Child (AMACOM Books, 2008). We include an entire chapter on potty training sensitive children who may exhibit shyness. Check out our website, www.StressFreePottyTraining.com, for more information.

Please note that nothing on The Real Parenting Show should be construed as professional psychological advice specific to you or your child. If you have concerns for anyone in your family, it’s important to make an appointment with a licensed mental health professional in your local area.

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