Children and Sexting

A study by the parenting app Jiminy published this month found that 15% of 8-year-old girls with smartphones are exposed to sexting, 24% by age 10, 37% by age 13, and 44% by age 16. Nearly 25% of 13-year-old children either requested or were asked to send nude photos of themselves (blog.jiminy.me). The report warned, “Sexting is quickly becoming a normative form of sexual exploration among preteens and teens. As such, parents should expect the real possibility that their children may be approached by others, known or unknown, or approach others in a sexually explicit manner.” Of course, biblical wisdom would teach any parent that no child should have a smartphone, iPad, laptop, or gaming device that has any connection whatsoever with the Internet. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Proverbs 29:15).

(Friday Church News Notes, January 10, 2020, www.wayoflife.org [email protected], 866-295-4143)

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