Filters installed. Devices monitored. Online safety taught. All of this, and children can still make poor choices—like sending nudes. So, how do we respond when we learn of this behavior?
This episode is part of our #DearSavvy series. Sometimes you just want a quick answer to a burning question. These shorter episodes are designed to give you just that. Tune in to the podcast to hear the whole scoop, and check out the show notes for helpful tools and information. If you’d like to submit a question, click here to Contact Us.
Dear Savvy: Help! My child is sending nudes. What should I do? I’m shocked. My daughter is only eleven-years-old. I did everything by the books. I even kept her phone at night, and this still happened.
Dear Listener,
As parents, we need to be prepared for the possibility that our child may still sext or send nudes. Even when we’ve communicated the dangers. It may feel counterintuitive but it’s a good idea to s-l-o-w down when a crisis like this hits. Ask questions. Find out why. Don’t assume you know the answer. Listen with love. Do all you can to preserve the parent/child relationship.
Here is what we discussed today:
- Safety first. Seek to understand the underlying reason for the behavior.
- Who to tell. Depending on the behavior, other parents, school admin staff, and/or the authorities may need to be included.
- When to seek added support. Recognize red flags that indicate grooming or other dangers.
- Tell it like it is (in a loving, caring manner). Most teens and preteens don’t realize their nudes are considered child pornography.
“Less than 8% of girls shared explicit pictures because they wanted to; the rest did so because of a desire to please, acquiesce to, or avoid conflict with a boy.” —study conducted by Sara Thomas of Northwestern University
Do you have a question? Click here to Contact Us, email us at admin@parentsaware.info, or submit your question through any of our social media platforms. We’d love to hear from you!
Download our FREE guide
Teaching children the basics of body safety can help them identify risky situations and safeguard them from sexual exploitation. Start this valuable conversation today with our 5 Body Safety Tips for Kids guide. Download your FREE printable here. http://bit.ly/Body-Safety-Tips
Links/Resources
Ep. #3-20, Dear Savvy: How do I talk to my child about sexting without being awkward?
Article: What is Revenge Porn? by hopefulmom.net
BARK – Want help monitoring your kids’ apps and social media? Click here for a FREE 30-day trial of the Bark App or download it at the app store and use our promo code: MEDIASAVVY
COVENANT EYES – Need great filtering software for your internet and devices? Click here to check out Covenant Eyes.
*Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, Parents Aware/Media Savvy Moms receives a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thanks for helping to support us in our mission to protect families from the harms of pornography.
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