Dec 15, 2009 by Daniel
What a difference a year makes
Last December, The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy released a study which found that nearly 20 percent of 13-19-year-olds had sent a sexually explicit photo with their cell phone. Today, the Pew Internet Project released its report showing much lower numbers—only 4% of teens claimed to have “sexted” with 15 percent having received photos from someone else.
Pew admits that teens might be underreporting because of high social disapproval of the behavior, and the truth is likely somewhere in the middle of these two reports. The lower number may also be attributed to several high-profile arrests of teens for child pornography offenses.
Dr. Judith Reisman makes a great point about so-called “sexting.” She explains that these kids are doing what kids are supposed to do—that is, they are mimicking adult culture. The kids aren’t the problem. They are merely reflecting a huge problem with an adult culture that has too often made its peace with pornography. If we want kids to be sexually responsible, we must first show them how to do it.
“Train up achild in the way he should go: and when he is old, it will not depart from him” – Proverbs 22:6.
These problems start in the home. Parents are charged to “…bring them up in the nurture [disciplinary correction] and admonition [calling attention to by rebuke] of the Lord” – Ephesians 6:4.
Biblical teaching and approach to child rearing has been abandoned in favor of humanist ideology. We “reap what we sow” – Galatians 6:7.
“Sexting” cannot be policed as long as the child has the cell phone. Remove the cellphone and you remove the temptation. The child who violates their parents trust should understand that the cellphone is gone for good if they violate this trust that they will use it responsibily. Few parents have that discipline within themselves to enforce such a policy. The children know it, and the sexting goes on in many cases.
My husband and I are dealing with his 15 year old son’s (my step son) “addiction” to the cell phone and what he “thinks” all kids are doing. A year ago, we found out he was involved in sexting with several girls around the USA. These girls were found when he opened an email account on gmail and was given the option to chat. Since that time we have taken the phone, given it back with limitations after 6 months, only to take it again because he can’t be trusted or help himself. He is truly addicted to this.
I agree, it is alot of work on the parents part to be consistent and firm but kids are worth it.
Our pastor said if kids say “all the other kids are doing it” then it most likely is not Godly….very true.
It is not just the teens who are sexting. It is adults as well. It is another horrible, awful and sinful thing that is happening to and in our culture. I know of several marriages that are now ended partially because of the impact of sexting. It is not just pictures they are sending they are also sending very suggestive perverted word sexting. It makes me sick to see this happening and even some so called Christians think this is prefectly ok…dirty talk or sexting it doesn’t hurt anyone they say. Really??? It is another way demoralizing women and yes men…but it seems to be more men than woman. I even know of Christian photographers who do not see a problem with taking strongly suggestive pictures for people that they say are only for their clients to share with their spouses…yah right…so how does it get out on the web, txting and etc. Do the so called Christian photographer’s think it is God honoring to take these kinds of pictures? Yes, I am angry because this has affected my own family…and these men who call themselves Christians have gotten away with it and continue to get away with it.
Dear editor:
It is also worthy and critical to mention that sexting is considered a crime, many teens already arrested charged under “Sexual Offender” law and ruined for life. A life time of registration, labeled as Sex Offender, etc. come as destruction package for life.
This is no longer a misdemeanor behavior, it is a plan of the enemy to wipe out our young generation, even our church going young ones.
While we are focusing much on marriage, abortion issues, we should not neglect how the government allows the internet, media and entertainment to invade our families.
MK