Sexting in Schools

Sexting in schools is becoming a huge problem! Our school recently was on the local news for sexting. As a parent to a child who attends this school I find it harder and harder to come to the realization that kids want to grow up way to fast! We are talking about "children" here. As a parent, I know that we have to let our kids learn and test the waters as they go through such a rough time of their lives. Lets be honest, we all were in high school at one time and know this is when we start dating, experimenting, and learning about the opposite sex. And most generally all kids will date and experiment. It's a fact of life. How else would we learn? We can not keep our children bottled up in their rooms and never let them out to see what the real world is all about. So we give them a little bit of freedom. We let them make wrong choices so they learn how to make right ones. We all know that when we give them an inch they will take a mile. I mean, isn't this what we all did when we were growing up? Of course we did. That's how each and everyone of us was growing into a young adult. By testing the waters and learning as we went along.
But what happened from growing into a young adult, to jumping into being an adult? Why do these kids feel the need to expose themselves to others over their cell phones? Is it a lack of attention? The need to feel wanted? Are they showing themselves off? Only the kids who are doing this will be able to answer that question.
Then we have the other person who sends the pics to their buddies. And it turns into a snow ball affect and before you know it half the school has gotten the forward. The person in the pic didn't agree to have half the school see their picture, but that is what happens.
Now due to such an irresponsible choice these kids choose, they will be scared for a long time. An embarrassment that will hang over their heads for some time. A picture text that will be sent over and over again for a long time. Exposing a young child that wanted to become an adult way too soon in life!
So as a parent I must ask, when will these kids come to realize that they just need to be kids! If your child has picture messaging on their phones, its so easy to look at their phones occasionally monitoring their usage on who they talk to and what pics are being sent out. It only takes a little effort to make sure your children are acting in a manner that is appropriate!
Now I'm not saying kids are perfect. Like I said, they are going to test waters. But if they are a minor, then you still have control over whether they stay in the kiddie pool or you let them swim in the adult pool! You still are their lifeguard! Watch over them closely and let them know you care!