Sexting and teenagers: how can parents protect their children on the Internet?

JAMA Pediatrics study found that sexting is the most common online threat among teens. Of particular concern is that about 12% of sexually explicit messages, intimate photos, or videos were sent without consent. When sexting is forced or when such material is shared without consent, it can lead to harassment from friends, cyberbullying, or blackmail.

All of this is very worrying for parents. Sextortion – blackmail by posting sexual content (images, videos) for the purpose of intimidation, coercion and extortion – is no joke. What starts out between children and teenagers as flirtatious messages can end up in real-life blackmail and revenge from perpetrators the child may not even know. 

The NGO #stop_sexting, in partnership with the Resource Center of Non-Governmental Organizations, with financial support from the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund, has collected tips for parents on how to protect children from threats on the Internet.

Sexting and teenagers

Sexting is the exchange of intimate photos/videos/texts that can be sent either voluntarily or under the threat of blackmail or violence.

It is worth remembering that sexting is a dangerous form of communication that can not only harm a child, but also make them a victim of sexual abuse.

The most common consequences of sexting are the distribution of intimate content without the owner's consent, which often leads to cyberbullying and blackmail. In addition, the distribution of such materials on the Internet can affect the child's future: when a child enters a higher education institution or looks for a job as an adult, information about candidates is often checked online, and such materials can prevent the fulfillment of dreams.

The effects of sexting also extend to offline life. When what was supposed to be a private communication becomes public, the shame and humiliation can have a very negative impact on a child's psyche.  

Source: Freepik

Sex education

For years, parents have shuddered at the thought of talking about sex education with their children. With the development of technology, we now need to open the door to such conversations with our children at an even younger age. According to Anastasia Dyakova, founder of the NGO #stop_sexting, when a child gets their first gadget with Internet access, parents should start talking about Internet safety, what is private information, what can be sent, what cannot, and in which cases it is necessary to urgently contact adults. 

What can parents do to protect children?

Talk about it.

Talk about online safety. Start conversations at a young age. Integrate them into everyday life: watch movies that raise these topics and discuss cybersecurity issues, share stories you read in the media or heard from friends, ask your child for their opinion.

Bedroom illusion

It's worth remembering to remind children about the phenomenon of the "Bedroom Illusion": when we are physically safe, in our room, in the bathroom, or somewhere near our family or friends, we are willing to do riskier things online. So, remember, if you are not willing to do something offline, you should not do it online, because it is all connected. 

Ask children to consider how they would feel if their teachers or grandparents saw their provocative comment or photo. Remind them that what goes online is there forever.

Source: Freepik

Discuss the legal implications

Obtaining, storing, and distributing sexual images of minors is illegal. According to Article 301-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, obtaining access to, purchasing, storing, importing, transporting, or otherwise moving, manufacturing, selling, and distributing child pornography is punishable by imprisonment for 8 to 12 years.

Teach your child that if they receive a sexual message, they should not forward it. Instead, they can block the user who sent the material and report them on social media. They can also seek help from their parents or trusted adults if necessary.

Help contacts for children and parents:

• Educational portal about child safety on the Internet for parents 
• Website for children about internet safety 
• Children and parents can seek help from the Government Advice Line 1545 (then dial “3”) – calls are free and anonymous, the line is open XNUMX/XNUMX.
• Children and parents can talk to a #stop_sexting psychologist confidentially and free of charge by phone or online. To receive support, you need to fill out a short form on the website.

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About #stop_sexting:

#stop_sexting is the largest public organization in Ukraine on protecting children online. It received the UN Global Compact Award and has trained more than 800 children and parents in total. As part of the information campaign, it has reached millions of Ukrainian families, and has also created the country's first online child safety hotline 000 (1545 more) and a psychological support line for children and parents on online risks at site.