Moms Talk: Sexting

Q. I read the Sexting, Cyber Bullies and Textual Harassment article on Tuesday's Northeast Cobb Patch. The article and video has good information, but it lacked practical advice on how to talk with my teen about these issues.

I do believe monitoring teen phones is important. My daughter, 14, had a picture on her phone of a shirtless man. I discovered the picture when she gave me her phone to use while we were at Publix. I had left my phone at home. I asked her who the man was. She said a Facebook friend; he wanted to show off his new tattoo to everyone.

When we got home I talked with her about the importance of not sending sexy pictures to people on the cell phone, or posting such pictures on the Internet. I had her read the Northeast Cobb Patch article. I also asked for her Facebook password. Getting the password was a battle.

I feel "wrong" in secretly reading her text messages, but not monitoring it seems more wrong.

I'd like to hear from other moms about how they handle it. Do you check your child's cell phone messages? Do you monitor their use in secret, or do you tell your child?

- Deb L.

You can reply to Deb in the Comment Box below.

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