A recent report from The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy found that about 20% of teens (ages 13-19) and a hard to fathom 33% of young adults (ages 20-26) have shared nude or semi-nude images of themselves either over cell phone text messaging or by posting on the internet.  A bit surprisingly teen girls are a little more likely to do this than boys and a very disturbing one in ten young teen girls (ages 13-16) admitted to sending inappropriate images of themselves.

The Nielsen Company and the Pew Research Center reports indicate a handful of factors that should be troubling to parents and guardians.  There is a rise in the number of young people that use cellular phones, the amount of texting they do, and potentially much more serious the percentage of teens that participate in “sexting” – the sending of provocative images or text messages from cell phones.

What’s the fuss?  Just innocent fun, youth discovering their new sexuality? 

You might want to reconsider.  Sending a sexually explicit image of someone underage might be a sex crime.  Teens are getting themselves arrested, going to court and are being required to register as sex offenders.  They are gambling with more than emotional distress and humiliation, charges of sexual misconduct can result in getting suspended and expelled from school, losing scholarships, and losing jobs.  A felony conviction can also affect future job opportunities, such as those offered in law enforcement and other high-security clearance positions.

Consider that if a sixteen year old sends a sexting image of themselves - they could be violating child pornography statues in most states. 

A conviction in criminal court for “sexting” will result in other serious consequences.  In addition to the potential jail sentence and/or fine imposed by a judge, they may be required to register with the Sex Offender Registration Board for the next 20 years.  Additionally, the felony court may order the surrender and destruction of the computer or digital devices used.

As sending SMS text messages from cell phones has become a centerpiece in teen social life, parents, educators and advocates have grown increasingly anxious about the role of cellular phones in the sexual lives of young adults.   A fresh survey from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project (pewinternet.org/topics/Teens.aspx) determined that four percent of cell phone using teenagers between age 12 and 17 indicate they have sent sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude images or videos of themselves to other people using SMS text messages.  This activity is commonly known as “sexting” in the current slang. Additionally, fifteen percent say they have received such images of someone they already know by way of SMS.

According to a report from marketing research firm The Nielsen Company (blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/under-aged-texting-usage-and-actual-cost/) American young people transmit an unbelievable average of 10 SMS messagesSMS texts per hour that they are not in school or sleeping – and most likely a lot during school too!

By researching over than forty thousand monthly US mobile phone bills, Nielsen found that American teens sent an average of an astonishing 3,146 texts each month during the third quarter 2009.  

Their younger counterparts aged nine to twelve sent about 1,100 texts each month.   That that averages out to about four per hour they were in school or not sleeping.  In comparison, the average number of monthly texts sent by all mobile phone users collectively was just slightly above 500. In the fourth quarter 2009, tweenage users aged nine to twelve increased SMS usage by 8% just about doubling the quantity of text messages.

Pew Research points out that sexting happens usually during one of three specific scenarios:  The first, sharing of images solely between two romantic partners; the next, lists exchanges between partners that are then shared with other people; followed by, exchanges between people who are not yet in a relationship, but with one person hoping there will be one hopes to be}.

Teenagers were interviewed and provided Amanda Lenhart, Senior Research Specialist and author of the report numerous reasons behind the impulse to get involved with sexting.  These included the researcher’s interpretation that “…sexually suggestive images had become a form of relationship currency,”; that sexting images “… are shared as a part of or instead of sexual activity,” and that SMS text message sexting is a way of starting or maintaining a relationship.   Sensitive images are also passed along to other people “… for their entertainment value, as a joke, or for fun.”

Teens also shared with researchers the peer pressure to share sexual images.  Not surprisingly the report also reveals that youths that are intensive users of  cell phones are more likely to to be sent inappropriate images.  For these youths, the phone has become such an important conduit for communication and content of all kinds that turning it off is unlikely.

The desire for risk-taking and sexual exploration during the teen years mixed with regular connection using mobile phones and other mobile devices “…creates a ‘perfect storm’ for sexting,” said Pew’s Amanda Lenhart.  “Teenagers have always grappled with issues around sex and relationships, but their coming-of-age mistakes and transgressions have never been so easily transmitted and archived for others to see.”

Despite some indications that per user usage has peaked, Nielsen forecasts that overall text messaging usage will grow as the avid user population ages and entices the older generations to text with them in order to keep in contact with them.  Current SMS users will continue to text extensively and as tweenagers age they will increase usage.  The number of text messages sent per capita has grown every year and should continue.

If you’ve got kids then you’re probably not surprised by the usage numbers. But chances are you’re also either in denial that your children are involved in sexting, or you’re actively seeking solutions to the problem. In all probability most parents don’t believe their kids are involved with sexting, or they are looking for ways to find out.   While parents may be upset that all the texts their teens and tweens are sending are going to break the bank, Nielsen research shows the average cost of a single text message is just one cent.  The real issue affecting families is not so much how often teens use their phones but has more to do with how they use their phones, and when they are texting.

Sexting is an  extremely complex topic.  Consequently, it is very difficult to provide advice on how best to manage these situations.  The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children policy talks about that there are four roles to every sexting case: the individual seen in the image, the person  who took the photo, the distributor(s) of the picture, and the recipient(s) of the image.  In some cases one person may assume more than one of these roles (e.g., a youth takes a sexually explicit picture, of herself and sends it to a classmate). In other situations, multiple people may take on a single role (e.g., a child takes a sexually explicit picture of himself and sends it to a classmate who then forwards the photo to the entire high school senior class). It is important to think about the intent and motivation of each of the parties in every situation.

The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children suggests parents monitor cell phone use.  A practical technological solution available for parents and guardians to find out what teenagers are doing~what’s going on with their children}  is mobile monitoring software.

Celebrated rights attorney Gloria Allred addressed the legal consequences of “sexting” that parents and teens may not know:
Teens conducting “sexting” activities – those that send and receive sexually explicit images, are at risk of potential felony charges for child pornography OR criminal use of a communication device, and in some states, face the exposure of having to register as a sex offender – a disgrace that could follow them for the next twenty years.

Not only do teens who conducting “sexting” face the {very real prospect of criminal prosecution and the prospects of going to jail and/or probation, which will potentially remain on their criminal record for the indefinite future, they also face the prospect of the possibility of being required by the Court to register as sex offenders.~This stain has [terrible~horrific] consequences for youth including [required~mandated] reporting of the sex offender in various public records and very burdensome notification requirements that the sex offender must comply with – which may remain with the sex offender for the rest of his/her life.}

Sexting might very well be illegal.  Parents are responsible to do something about it.  Particularly considering low cost solutions can be ordered over the internet.     A very good software package that includes remote control of device settings, and combines Phone GPS Tracking  with SMS text message, Call Log,  MMS multi-media message monitoring, and an online account for archive and review is PhoneBeagle.  

Follow this link if you are interested in    Cell Phone Monitoring Software that works with with BlackBerry  and  Android  Smartphones,.    Visit this link for more information regarding the latest software for 
Parental Monitoring of Mobile Phones .

A recent report from The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy found that over 20% of teens (ages 13-19) and a hard to fathom 33% of young adults (ages 20-26) have shared nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves either over cell phone text messaging or by posting on the internet. Teenage girls are slightly more likely to do this than boys and a very disturbing 11% of the young teen girls (ages 13-16) admitted to sending inappropriate photos of themselves.

Recent reports from The Nielsen Company and the Pew Research Center point to a handful of factors that should be causing concern for parents and guardians. These problems are also an opportunity for software solutions companies. There is an increase in the percentage of young people that use cellular phones, the amount of texting they do, and potentially much more serious the percentage of young adults that are occupied with “sexting” – the sending of potentially illegal images or text messages from cell phones.

What’s the fuss?  Just innocent fun, adolescents exploring their emerging sexuality? 

You might want to reconsider.  Sending a sexually explicit photo of someone underage is a sex crime.  Young people are being arrested, convicted and having to register as sex offenders.  They are risking more than emotional distress and humiliation, convictions can trigger a restriction of school activities, such as sports, denial of college admission, and denial of student loan eligibility, and losing jobs.  A felony conviction may also affect future employment opportunities, such as those offered in law enforcement and other high-security clearance positions.   In other words, they’re ruining their lives over a little “innocent” fun.

There isn’t anything innocent about it.  Consider that if a young teen sends a sexting image of themselves - they could be violating child pornography statues in most states. 

Getting convicted in felony court for “sexting” can have other serious consequences.  In addition to the potential jail sentence and/or fine levied by the court, they may be required to register with the Sex Offender Registration Board for the next 20 years.  Furthermore, the criminal court may order the surrender and destruction of the computer or digital devices used.

As sending text messages from mobile phones has become a focus in youth social life, parents, educators and advocates have grown increasingly concerned about the role of cell phones in the sexual lives of young people.   A new research study from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project (pewinternet.org/topics/Teens.aspx) found that four percent of cell phone owning young people ages twelve to seventeen indicate they have transmitted sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude images or videos of themselves to other people via text messaging.  This activity is commonly referred to “sexting” in today’s slang. Furthermore, 15% say they have received such images of someone they actually know via SMS.

According to a study from marketing research firm The Nielsen Company (blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/under-aged-texting-usage-and-actual-cost/) American young people transmit an undreamed of average of 10 text messages every hour that they are not in school or sleeping – and most likely a lot during school too!

By researching over than 40,000 monthly US mobile phone bills, Nielsen concluded that American teenagers sent an average of an astonishing 3,146 text messages each month during the third quarter 2009.  

Their younger counterparts – tweenagers - ages 9-12 years old sent an average of 1,146 texts every month.   That that averages out to about four per hour they were in school or not sleeping.  In comparison, the average number of monthly texts sent by all cell phone users combined was a little more than 500. In the fourth quarter 2009, tweenage users ages 9-12 years old increased text usage by 8% just about doubling the quantity of text messages.

Focus group findings show that sexting occurs most often during one of three specific scenarios:  The first, involves exchanges of images solely between two romantic partners;
the next, lists exchanges between partners that are then shared outside the relationship; followed by, exchanges between people who are not yet in a relationship, but with one person hoping there will be one hopes to be}.

Teenagers were interviewed and gave Amanda Lenhart, Senior Research Specialist and author of the report various reasons surrounding the impulse to participate in sexting.  These included the researcher’s interpretation that “…sexually suggestive images had become a form of relationship currency,”; that sexting images “… are shared as a part of or instead of sexual activity,” and that SMS text message sexting is a way of establishing a relationship.   Sensitive images are also passed along to other people “… for their entertainment value, as a joke, or for fun.”

Teenagers also described to researchers the peer pressure to share these types of images.  Not surprisingly the report also reveals that teens who are more intense users of  mobile phones are more likely to to be sent sexually suggestive images.  For these youths, the phone has become such a common means for communication and a variety of content that doing without it is nearly unthinkable.

The desire for risk-taking and sexual exploration during the teen years mixed with regular connection using mobile phones and other mobile devices “…creates a ‘perfect storm’ for sexting,” said Pew’s Amanda Lenhart.  “Teenagers have always grappled with issues around sex and relationships, but their coming-of-age mistakes and transgressions have never been so easily transmitted and archived for others to see.”

Despite some indications that per user usage has peaked, Nielsen forecasts that overall SMS usage will increase as the avid user population ages and entices the older generations to text with them in order to keep in contact with them.  Current SMS users will continue to use texting extensively and as tweenagers become teenagers they are in all probability going to follow the trends of texting established by current teenagers.  The number of text messages sent per capita has grown every year and should continue.

If you’ve got teenagers then in all likelihood not surprised by the usage numbers. But chances are you’re also either in denial that your children are involved in sexting, or you’re actively seeking solutions to the problem. In all probability most parents don’t believe their kids are involved with sexting, or they are looking for ways to find out.   While parents may be upset that all the texts their teens and tweens are sending will land them in the poorhouse, Nielsen analysis shows the average cost of a single text message is only about one penny.  The real issue affecting families is not so much how often teens use their phones but has more to do with how they use their phones, and when they are texting.

Sexting is an  extremely complex topic.  As a result, it is very difficult to provide guidance on how best to handle these situations.  The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children policy talks about that there are four roles to every sexting case: the person seen in the photo, the person  who took the image, the distributor(s) of the image, and the recipient(s) of the image.  In some cases one person may assume more than one of these roles (e.g., a youth takes a sexually explicit photo, of herself and sends it to a classmate). In other situations, multiple people may take on a single role (e.g., a child takes a sexually explicit picture of himself and sends it to a classmate who then forwards the photo to the entire high school senior class). It is important to think about the intentions and motives of each of the parties in every situation.

The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children advocates parents monitor cell phone use.  A practical technological solution available for parents and guardians to find out what their {children are doing~what’s going on with their children}  is cell phone technology. 
Renowned rights attorney Gloria Allred addressed the legal penalties of “sexting” that parents and teens may be aware of:
Youth participating in “sexting” actions – those that send and receive sexually explicit images, are at risk of potential felony charges for child pornography OR criminal use of a communication device, and in some states, face the exposure of having to register as a sex offender – a stigma that could follow them for the next twenty years
mandated] reporting of the sex offender in various public records and very burdensome notification requirements that the sex offender must comply with – which may remain with the sex offender for the rest of his/her life.

Sexting can be illegal.  Parents are responsible to do something about it.  Especially considering low cost solutions can be ordered online.     A really great software package that includes remote control of cell phone settings, and combines Cell Phone Tracking  with SMS text message, Call Log,  MMS multi-media message monitoring, and a web account for storage and review is PhoneBeagle.  

Follow this link if you are interested in    Mobile Monitoring Software that is compatible with BlackBerry  and  Android  Smartphones,.    Visit this link for more information regarding the latest software for 
Parental Monitoring of Mobile Phones .

A recent report by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy found that over 20% of teens (ages 13-19) and a hard to fathom 33% of young adults (ages 20-26) have shared nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves either over cell phone text messaging or by posting on the web. Teenage girls are a little more likely to do this than boys and a very distressing 11% of the young teen girls (ages 13-16) admitted to sending inappropriate photos of themselves.

Recent reports from The Nielsen Company and the Pew Research Center show several factors that should be causing concern for parents and guardians. These topics are also an opportunity for technology companies. There is growth in the percentage of youths that use mobile phones, the amount of texting they do, and more troubling the percentage of teens that are occupied with “sexting” – the sending of provocative images or text messages from cell phones.

What’s the fuss?  Just innocent fun, youth exploring their new sexuality? 

You might want to reconsider.  Sending a sexually explicit picture of someone underage is a sex crime.  Young people are being arrested, convicted and having to register as sex offenders.  They are risking more than emotional distress and humiliation, charges of sexual misconduct can result in getting suspended and expelled from school, losing scholarships, and losing jobs.  A felony conviction may also affect future employment opportunities, such as those offered in law enforcement and other high-security clearance positions.   In other words, they’re ruining their lives over a little “innocent” fun.

There isn’t anything innocent about it.  Consider that if a young teen sends a sexting photo of themselves - they could be violating child pornography statues in most states. 

Getting convicted in criminal court for “sexting” may result in other serious consequences.  In addition to the potential jail sentence and/or fine levied by a judge, registration may be stipulated with the Sex Offender Registration Board for the next 20 years.  Additionally, the felony court may order the surrender and destruction of the computer or digital devices used.

As sending text messages from cellular phones has become a focus in teen social life, parents, educators and advocates have grown increasingly concerned about the role of cell phones in the sexual lives of young people.   A new research study from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project (pewinternet.org/topics/Teens.aspx) concluded that 4% of cell-owning teenagers ages twelve to seventeen say they have transmitted sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude images or videos of themselves to someone else using text messaging.  This practice is typically referred to “sexting” in the current slang. Furthermore, 15% say they have received such images of someone they actually know by way of SMS.

According to research from market researchers The Nielsen Company (blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/under-aged-texting-usage-and-actual-cost/) American teenagers transmit an inconceivable average of 10 text messages per hour that they are not in school or sleeping – and probably a lot during their classes too!

By analyzing over than 40,000 monthly US mobile telecom bills, Nielsen determined that American teens sent an average of an astonishing 3,146 texts each month during the third quarter 2009.  

Their younger counterparts – tweenagers - from age 9 to 12 sent an average of 1,146 texts every month.   That equates to four every hour they were in school or not sleeping.  In comparison, the average number of monthly texts sent by all cell phone users collectively was just slightly above five hundred. In the fourth quarter 2009, tweenage users aged nine to twelve increased SMS usage by eight percent and almost doubled their text message volume.

Focus group findings show that sexting happens most often during one of three specific scenarios:  The first, involves exchanges of images solely between two romantic partners;
the next, lists exchanges between partners that are then shared with other people; followed by, exchanges between people who are not yet in a relationship, but with one person hoping there will be one hopes to be}.

Teenagers were interviewed and gave researchers various reasons behind the motivation to get involved with sexting.  These included the researcher’s interpretation that “…sexually suggestive images had become a form of relationship currency,”; that sexting images “… are shared as a part of or instead of sexual activity,” and that SMS text message sexting is a way of establishing a relationship.   Sensitive images are also passed along to friends “… for their entertainment value, as a joke, or for fun.”

Teens also described to researchers the peer pressure to share these types of images.  Not surprisingly the report revealed that young people who are more intense users of  mobile phones are more likely to to be sent sexually suggestive images.  For these teenagers, the phone has become such a common means for communication and a variety of content that doing without it is unlikely.

The combination of risk-taking and sexual exploration during the teenage years mixed with constant connection via cell phones and other mobile devices “…creates a ‘perfect storm’ for sexting,” said Pew’s Amanda Lenhart.  “Teenagers have always grappled with issues around sex and relationships, but their coming-of-age mistakes and transgressions have never been so easily transmitted and archived for others to see.”

Despite the indications that per user usage has peaked, Nielsen forecasts that overall SMS usage will grow as the avid user demographic ages and entices the older generations to text with them in order to keep in contact with them.  Existing SMS users are expected to continue to text extensively and as tweenagers become teenagers they are in all probability going to follow the trends of texting established by current teens.  The number of text messages sent per capita has grown every year and should continue.

If you’ve got teenagers then in all likelihood not surprised by the usage statistics. But chances are you’re also either in denial that your children are involved in sexting, or you’re actively seeking solutions to the problem. In all probability most parents can’t believe their teens are involved with sexting, or they are looking for ways to find out.   While parents may be upset that all the texts their teens and tweens are sending will land them in the poorhouse, Nielsen analysis indicates the average cost of a single text message is just one cent.  The real issue affecting families is not so much how often teens use their phones but more about how they use their phones, and when they are texting.

Sexting is a very complex issue.  As a result, it is very hard to offer guidance on how best to manage these situations.  The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children policy talks about that there are four roles to every sexting case: the person seen in the photo, the person  who took the photo, the distributor(s) of the picture, and the recipient(s) of the photo.  In some cases one person may assume more than one of these roles (e.g., a child takes a sexually explicit image, of herself and sends it to a friend). In other situations, multiple people may take on a single role (e.g., a child takes a sexually explicit picture of himself and sends it to a classmate who then forwards the photo to the entire high school senior class). It is important to consider the intent and motivation of each of the parties under different circumstances.

The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children advocates parents monitor cell phone use.  A workable technological solution available for parents and guardians to find out what teenagers are doing~what’s going on with their kids}  is cell phone software. 
Highly respected rights attorney Gloria Allred revealed the legal consequences of “sexting” that parents and teens may not know:
Teenagers conducting “sexting” behavior – those that send and receive sexually inappropriate photos, are at risk of potential criminal charges for child pornography OR criminal use of a communication device, and in some states, face the exposure of having to register as a sex offender – a disgrace that could follow them for the next twenty years
mandated] reporting of the sex offender in various public records and very burdensome notification requirements that the sex offender must comply with – which may remain with the sex offender for the rest of his/her life.

Sexting can be illegal.  Parents are responsible to do something about it.  Especially considering low cost solutions can be ordered online.     A really great software package that includes remote control of handset settings, and combines Mobile Phone Tracking  with SMS text message, Call Log,  MMS multi-media message monitoring, and a web account for storage and review is PhoneBeagle.  

Follow this link if you are interested in    Mobile Monitoring Software that works with with BlackBerry  and  Android  Smartphones,.    Visit this link for more information regarding the latest software for 
Parental Monitoring of Mobile Phones .

A recently published report from The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy suggests that over 20% of teens (ages 13-19) and an incredible 33% of young adults (ages 20-26) have shared nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves either via mobile phone text messaging or by posting on the web. Teenage girls are a little more likely to do this than boys and a very disturbing 11% of the young teen girls (ages 13-16) admitted to sending suggestive photos of themselves.

The Nielsen Company and the Pew Research Center reports point to several factors that should be troubling to parents and guardians. These problems are also an opportunity for software solutions companies. There is growth in the percentage of teenagers that use cellular phones, the amount of texting they do, and potentially much more serious the percentage of youths that are involved in “sexting” – the sending of provocative images or text messages from mobile phones.

What’s the fuss?  Just innocent fun, adolescents exploring their emerging sexuality? 

Think again.  Transmitting a sexually explicit picture of someone underage might be a sex crime.  Teens are being arrested, convicted and are being required to register as sex offenders.  They are gambling with more than emotional distress and humiliation, charges of sexual misconduct can result in getting suspended and expelled from school, losing scholarships, and losing jobs.  A felony conviction can also affect future employment opportunities, including law enforcement and other high-security clearance positions.

Consider that if a young teen sends a sexting image of themselves - they could be violating child pornography statues in most states. 

Getting convicted in felony court for “sexting” can easily have other serious consequences.  In addition to the potential jail sentence and/or fine imposed by a judge, registration may be stipulated with the Sex Offender Registration Board for the next 20 years.  Furthermore, the criminal court may order the surrender and destruction of the computer or digital devices used.

As sending SMS text messages from mobile phones has become an attraction in teen social life, parents, educators and advocates have grown increasingly worried about the role of mobile phones in the sexual lives of teens.   A new research study from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project (pewinternet.org/topics/Teens.aspx) concluded that four percent of cell-owning teens between age 12 and 17 say they have transmitted sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude images or videos of themselves to other people via text messaging.  This activity is typically referred to “sexting” in today’s slang. Furthermore, fifteen percent say they have received such images of someone they actually know by way of text message.

According to a study from market researchers The Nielsen Company (blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/under-aged-texting-usage-and-actual-cost/) American young people send an undreamed of average of ten text messages per hour that they are not in school or sleeping – and most likely a lot during class too!

By analyzing over than forty thousand monthly US mobile phone bills, Nielsen concluded that American teens sent an average of an inconceivable 3,146 text messages each month during the third quarter 2009.  

Their younger counterparts ages 9-12 years old sent about 1,100 texts each month.   That equates to four every hour they were in school or not sleeping.  To put that in perspective, the average number of monthly texts sent by all cellular users combined was just slightly above five hundred. In the fourth quarter 2009, tweenage users ages 9-12 years old increased messaging usage by eight percent and almost doubled their text message volume.

Pew Research points out that sexting occurs usually during one of three specific scenarios:  The first, exchanges of images solely between two romantic partners; the next, points to sharing between partners that are then shared outside the relationship; followed by, exchanges between people who are not yet in a relationship, but with one person hoping there will be one hopes to be}.

Teenagers were interviewed and gave Amanda Lenhart, Senior Research Specialist and author of the report a variety of explanations surrounding the motivation to participate in sexting.  These included the researcher’s interpretation that “…sexually suggestive images had become a form of relationship currency,”; that sexting images “… are shared as a part of or instead of sexual activity,” and that SMS text message sexting is a way of starting or maintaining a relationship.   Sensitive images are also passed along to friends “… for their entertainment value, as a joke, or for fun.”

Teenagers also shared with researchers the peer pressure to share these types of images.  Not surprisingly the report revealed that teens that are intensive users of  cellular phones are more likely to to be sent sexually suggestive images.  For these teens, the phone has become such an important conduit for communication and content of all kinds that turning it off is nearly unthinkable.

The combination of risk-taking and sexual exploration during the teen years mixed with constant connection via cellular phones and other mobile devices “…creates a ‘perfect storm’ for sexting,” said Pew’s Amanda Lenhart.  “Teenagers have always grappled with issues around sex and relationships, but their coming-of-age mistakes and transgressions have never been so easily transmitted and archived for others to see.”

Despite the indications that per user usage has peaked, Nielsen estimates that overall text message usage will increase as the heavy text messaging demographic ages and entices the older generations to text with them in order to stay in contact with them.  Current SMS users will continue to text extensively and as tweenagers age they will increase usage.  The number of text messages sent per capita has grown every year and should continue.

If you’ve got teens then you’re probably not shocked by the usage statistics. But chances are you’re also either in denial that your kids are involved in sexting, or you’re actively seeking solutions to the problem. In all probability most parents can’t believe their children are involved with sexting, or they are looking for ways to find out.   While parents may fume that all the texts their teens and tweens are sending will land them in the poorhouse, Nielsen analysis indicates the average cost of a single text message is only about one penny.  The real issue concerning parents is not so much how often teens use their phones but more about how they use their phones, and when they are using them.

Sexting is a very complicated issue.  As a result, it is very hard to offer guidance on how best to handle these situations.  The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children policy states that there are four roles to every sexting case: the person seen in the image, the person  who took the picture, the distributor(s) of the picture, and the recipient(s) of the image.  In some cases one person may assume more than one of these roles (e.g., a youth takes a sexually explicit photo, of herself and sends it to a classmate). In other situations, multiple people may take on a single role (e.g., a child takes a sexually explicit picture of himself and sends it to a classmate who then forwards the photo to the entire high school senior class). It is important to consider the intentions and motives of each of the parties under different circumstances.

The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children suggests parents monitor cell phone use.  A workable technological solution available for parents and guardians to discover what kids are doing~what’s going on with their children}  is cell phone technology.

Highly respected rights attorney Gloria Allred revealed the legal costs of “sexting” that parents and teens may ignore:
Teens occupied with “sexting” actions – those that exchange sexually inappropriate images, are at risk of potential felony charges for child pornography OR criminal use of a communication device, and in some states, face the exposure of having to register as a sex offender – a stigma that could haunt them the rest of their lives
This stain has [terrible

Sexting can be illegal.  Parents have responsibility to stop it.  Especially considering low cost solutions can be ordered over the internet.     A really great software package that includes remote control of cell phone settings, and combines Mobile Phone Tracking  with SMS text message, Call Log,  MMS multi-media message monitoring, and a web account for storage and review is PhoneBeagle.  

Follow this link if you are interested in    Cell Phone Monitoring Software that works with with BlackBerry  and  Android  Smartphones,.    Visit this link for more information regarding the latest software for 
Parental Monitoring of Mobile Phones .

A recently published report from The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy suggests that about 20% of teens (ages 13-19) and an incredible 33% of young adults (ages 20-26) have shared nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves either over mobile phone SMS text messages or by posting on the web. Teenage girls are slightly more likely to do this than boys and a very disturbing 11% of the young teen girls (ages 13-16) admitted to sending inappropriate photos of themselves.

The Nielsen Company and the Pew Research Center studies show a handful of factors that should be troubling to parents and guardians. These topics are also an opportunity for software solutions companies. There is a rise in the number of teens that use cellular phones, the amount of texting they do, and potentially much more serious the number of youths that participate in “sexting” – the sending of provocative images or text messages from mobile phones.

Why the fuss and bother?  Just innocent fun, youth exploring their new sexuality? 

Think again.  Transmitting a sexually explicit image of a child might be a sex crime.  Young people are being arrested, convicted and are being required to register as sex offenders.  They are risking more than emotional distress and humiliation, convictions can trigger a restriction of school activities, such as sports, denial of college admission, and denial of student loan eligibility, and losing jobs.  A felony conviction can also affect future employment opportunities, including law enforcement and other high-security clearance positions.   In other words, they’re ruining their lives over a little “innocent” fun.

Consider that if a sixteen year old sends a sexting photo of themselves - they could be breaking child pornography statues in most states. 

Getting convicted in criminal court for “sexting” will result in other serious consequences.  In addition to the potential jail sentence and/or fine imposed by the court, registration may be stipulated with the Sex Offender Registration Board for the next 20 years.  Additionally, the felony court may order the forfeiture and destruction of the computer or digital devices used.

As sending text messages from cell phones has become a centerpiece in youth social life, parents, educators and advocates have grown increasingly worried about the role of cell phones in the sexual lives of teenagers.   A new research study from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project (pewinternet.org/topics/Teens.aspx) concluded that four percent of cell phone using young people ages 12-17 indicate they have sent sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude images or videos of themselves to other people via SMS text messages.  This practice is commonly known as “sexting” in the current vernacular. Additionally, fifteen percent say they have received these kinds of images images of someone they already know via text message.

According to a study from marketing research firm The Nielsen Company (blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/under-aged-texting-usage-and-actual-cost/) American young people transmit an undreamed of average of ten SMS text messages per hour that they are not in school or sleeping – and most likely a lot during school too!

By evaluating more than 40,000 monthly US mobile telecom bills, Nielsen found that American teens sent an average of an astonishing 3,146 text messages every month during the third quarter 2009.  

Their younger counterparts – tweenagers - ages 9-12 years old sent about 1,100 text messages each month.   That that averages out to about four every hour they were in school or not sleeping.  In comparison, the average number of monthly texts sent by all mobile phone users collectively was a little more than 500. In the fourth quarter 2009, tweenage users aged nine to twelve increased SMS usage by 8% just about doubling the quantity of text messages.

Pew Research points out that sexting occurs usually under one of three different scenarios:  The first, involves exchanges of images just between two romantic partners;
the next, lists exchanges between partners that are then shared outside the relationship; followed by, exchanges between people who are not yet in a relationship, but with one person hoping there will be one hopes to be}.

Teenagers were interviewed and gave researchers a variety of reasons behind the motivation to participate in sexting.  These included the researcher’s interpretation that “…sexually suggestive images had become a form of relationship currency,”; that sexting images “… are shared as a part of or instead of sexual activity,” and that SMS text message sexting is a way of starting or maintaining a relationship.   Sensitive images are also passed along to friends “… for their entertainment value, as a joke, or for fun.”

Teens also shared with researchers the pressure they feel to share sexual pictures.  Not surprisingly the report revealed that teenagers who are more intense users of  cell phones are more likely to to be sent sexually suggestive images.  For these teenagers, the phone has become such a common means for communication and a variety of content that turning it off is nearly unthinkable.

The combination of risk-taking and sexual exploration during the teenage years mixed with routine connection via mobile phones and other mobile devices “…creates a ‘perfect storm’ for sexting,” said Pew’s Amanda Lenhart.  “Teenagers have always grappled with issues around sex and relationships, but their coming-of-age mistakes and transgressions have never been so easily transmitted and archived for others to see.”

Despite some indications that per user usage has peaked, Nielsen estimates that overall SMS usage will grow as the avid user population ages and entices the older generations to text with them in order to keep in contact with them.  Existing SMS users will continue to use texting extensively and as tweenagers age they will increase usage.  The average number of text messages per user has increased every year, and there is room for growth.

If you’ve got kids then you’re probably not surprised by the usage numbers. But chances are you’re also either in denial that your kids are involved in sexting, or you’re actively seeking solutions to the problem. In all probability most parents can’t believe their kids are involved with sexting, or they are looking for ways to find out.   While parents may be upset that all the texts their teens and tweens are sending are going to break the bank, Nielsen analysis shows the average cost of a single text message is only about one penny.  The real issue affecting families is not so much how often teens use their phones but more about how they use their phones, and when they are using them.

Sexting is a very complex topic.  Consequently, it is very hard to provide guidance on how best to manage these situations.  The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children policy states that there are four roles to every sexting case: the person seen in the image, the person  who took the image, the distributor(s) of the picture, and the recipient(s) of the photo.  In some cases one person may assume more than one of these roles (e.g., a child takes a sexually explicit photo, of herself and sends it to a classmate). In other situations, multiple people may take on a single role (e.g., a child takes a sexually explicit picture of himself and sends it to a classmate who then forwards the photo to the entire high school senior class). It is important to think about the intentions and motives of each of the parties under different circumstances.

The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children advocates parents monitor cell phone use.  A workable technological solution available for parents and guardians to find out what teens are doing~what’s going on with their teenagers}  is cell phone technology.

Celebrated rights lawyer Gloria Allred addressed the legal penalties of “sexting” that parents and teens may ignore:
Teenagers conducting “sexting” activities – those that exchange sexually explicit photos, are at risk of potential criminal charges for child pornography OR criminal use of a communication device, and in some states, face the exposure of having to register as a sex offender – a stigma that could haunt them the rest of their lives
Not only do teens who occupied with “sexting” face the risk of criminal prosecution and the prospects of going to jail and/or probation, which will potentially remain on their criminal record for the indefinite future, they also face the prospect of the possibility of being required by the Court to register as sex offenders.

Sexting can be illegal.  Parents are responsible to do something about it.  Especially considering low cost solutions can be ordered over the internet.     A very good software package that includes remote control of cell phone settings, and combines Mobile Phone Tracking  with SMS text message, Call Log,  MMS multi-media message monitoring, and a web account for storage and review is PhoneBeagle.  

Follow this link if you are interested in    Mobile Monitoring Software that works with with BlackBerry  and  Android  Smartphones,.    Visit this link for more information regarding the latest software for 
Parental Monitoring of Mobile Phones .