‘Sexting’: How to spot the warning signs

Raging hormones and a curiosity to explore their sexuality, combined with the 3 000 text messages children send on average per month can land your teenager in trouble.

Sexting, the act of sending, receiving or forwarding sexually suggestive or explicit messages via mobile media, is becoming an increasing trend among youngsters and a growing concern to parents.

Here are some things for parents to look out for:
– Children might become overly protective of their cellphone to the point of grabbing it away from you or sleeping with it under their pillow.
– They insist on texting with friends from a private place or turn their back to read or send a text when someone comes near.
– They become uncomfortable, angry, or defensive when you question them about their secretive phone use.
– Their grades change. Grades may drop as risky behaviours edge out day-to-day responsibilities.
– Friend changes. If you check your child’s social accounts and notice an increase in flirty photos and language, or friends who do the same, it could be a sign of risky digital behaviour.

READ THE FULL STORY, ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY CENTURION REKORD, HERE