Sexting

1
Sexting Teens

• Archdiocese of San Antonio
• Office of Victim Assistance Safe Environment

2
Sexting

• New issue that is effecting over 51 of our
  Youth.
• Sexting is defined as sending, receiving, or
  forwarding sexually explicit photos over a cell
  phone.

3
Sex Tech

• Sexting occurs many times with young girls/boys
  sending nude pictures of themselves over a cell
  phone to a boyfriend/ girlfriend.
• Sexting has also occurred with out the child
  knowing and then posting the pictures on-line.
• Both examples clearly identify how technology is
  being utilized to hurt our children.

4
Sexting Facts

• 22 of teen girls and 20 of teen boys have sent
  nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves.
• 22 of teens admit that technology makes them
  more forward and aggressive.
• 38 of teens say that exchanging sexual content
  makes dating more likely.
• 29 say that exchanging sexual content is
  expected when dating.

5
More Facts

• 15 of teens said they have sent a sexual photo
  of themselves to someone they only knew on the
  internet.
• 40 of teens said they have seen a picture
  intended for someone else.
• 40 of teen boys and 37 of teen girls send
  sexually suggestive messages.

6
Parent Tips

• Dont Wait to speak to your child. Children as
  young as ten have admitted they have engaged in
  sexting.
• Talk about peer pressure let them know they can
  prevent being tricked in to sexting.
• Know your childs friends spend time listening to
  how they are influencing your child.
• Remind your child that once a text has been sent
  there is now way to ever get it back.
• Tell them to immediately delete all inappropriate
  messages.

7
More Sexting Facts

• Set limits and expectations with your child dont
  be afraid to share with them how you feel about
  sexting.
• Be aware of what your child is posting on-line.
• Tell them to report all inappropriate behaviors.
• Explain consequences to youth about sexting.

8
Sexting Consequences

• Be removed from school sport programs including
  losing scholarship opportunities.
• Face humiliation especially when a relationship
  ends, the person can post your information on the
  internet or forward to others you didnt intend
  to see your photos.
• Get in trouble with the law including being
  arrested and charged with distributing
  pornography, spent time in jail, and register as
  a sex offender.

9
Teen Tips

• Dont assume that things you send will remain
  private.
• Once in cyberspace always in cyberspace.
• Dont give in to pressure or something you dont
  feel comfortable doing.
• Nothing is anonymous on a cell phone or computer.
• Talk to your parents or another adult you trust.
• Report any messages that make you uncomfortable
  to authorities.

10
Responding Reporting

• Listen Believe
• Pay attention to your childs nonverbal
  behaviors. Do not blame the victim no matter what
  bad choices they have made. No one asks to be
  raped. Give credit for surviving the incident of
  violation.
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation
• Unless the survivor specifically for the
  sacrament of reconciliation or absolution, do not
  mention it. Forgiveness is not necessary to heal
  and absolution can send a message of blame to the
  victim.
• Support
• Accept the survivor's choices, do not force them
  to press charges or any other steps that they are
  not ready for. Recovery for every person is
  different. Allow them to regain power by making
  their own choices.
• Confidentiality
• A person who has trusted you to share their
  story should not have that trust broken. Keep
  their information confidential only report to
  authorities who can help the victim.
• Reporting
• If you suspect or know a child is being abused
  you are legally responsible to report. Please
  call Child Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400
  and or your local police station within 48 hours.

11
Office of Victim Assistance Safe Environment

• If you have any questions or would like to speak
  to someone about abuse of a minor, please call
• 210-734-7786
• Or
• 1-877-700-1888
• 1201 Donaldson
• San Antonio, Texas 78228