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Archive for Sexting

Anna Faris Discusses Accidental Sexting Incident on Ellen

December 14th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

Just the headline alone is intriguing enough to pull a reader into the story.  This case as reported on RobotCeleb.com happened innocently enough between movie star, Anna Faris and her husband, actor Chris Pratt; in fact it was a regular event for this couple on Wednesdays.  The problem happened when Ms. Faris accidentally sent a “sext” message to her father. The message according to RobotCeleb.com “I can’t wait to see you in bed tonight.” – fairly mild considering today’s standards; according to BricksandStonesgossip.com the unfortunate event took place more than a year ago.

This story probably wouldn’t even be talked about – except for all the tragedies we read about everyday; cases in which people commit suicide or face lifelong consequences like having to register as a sex offender.  As the efforts by schools, legislatures and law enforcement continue toward educating teens and tweens about the consequences of sexting, we as parents must do our part as well.  Our kids need to be taught to respect their bodies and that nothing, absolutely nothing sent through the Internet, e-mail or smart phones – is ever truly deleted; On the Internet nothing is ever deleted

KidPhone Advocate is a technology set up by parents, for parents. KidPhone Advocate was designed around a simple premise: Protect the children. It’s just that simple. Protect the children. It’s what we’re passionate about. We’re parents, just like you! But we believe when it comes to our new digital age, the focus on the advancement of technology and pressures from share-holders and the market to deliver better gadgets and “toys”, has completely over-shadowed the need to make sure our children are protected as they use and embrace these technologies.

Communication remains the number one most effective way to help our children.  It is important that our kids understand that with technology comes a healthy respect and a set of rules set by us, the parents.  What rules do you have in your family regarding the use of cell phones?  We’d like to hear from you, the parents as to how you set these rules for your child’s cell phone use and how you handle things when the rules are broken.

Anna Faris is best known for her roles in movies like “Scary Movie” and “The House Bunny.” Her new movie “Yogi Bear” opens nationwide on December 17th.
Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Our Youth, Parenting, Sexting
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Teachers okay to confiscate cellphones, read texts

November 29th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

If you’re like me, just reading that headline garners some sort of a feeling.  My immediate reaction is – “Heck No”!  But, if I pause and consider what it must be like in today’s schools trying to combat this technological distraction; I have to think it might be a good idea to give that authority to teachers.  Okay, so once the teacher or school official has taken the phone – what should they do with them.  Do the teachers and school administrators have the right to look through the student’s cell phones?  If the phones are on school property do they by default become property of the district?  These are real issues being handled in the state of Virginia.

With all of the talk of cyberbullying and sexting the natural question is what should the teachers do with the information found on the phone; according to this article the school officials are to turn the information over to law enforcement.  Here’s a bit which could come under additional review:  “Sharing the photos with other teachers or with the school principal — even if for purposes of disciplining the students involved — could get the teacher in trouble for distributing child pornography” according to the Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R).  I have to believe that statement has the potential to come under some further scrutiny.

Do you think that if students knew that teachers had the right to not only confiscate their cell phones but also to read their texts and look at pictures – would that be enough to cause students to be more careful?  Nope – I don’t think so either.  On the first day of school, if the teens and tweens are warned, they might be a “little” more careful but I bet by the afternoon they forgot the consequences.  How long before a student in Virginia has their phone taken away, messages read by a school official – and the whole thing ends up in a courtroom – I don’t think it will be too long?

As a parent, what would you do if your child’s phone was taken and the information was reviewed?  Would you be upset with the school for “over-stepping their bounds” or would you be more disappointed in your child for using their phone during school hours?  Have you ever tried to reach your student during school hours by their cell phone?  I know I am guilty of it and when I asked some friends on Facebook, they admitted the same behavior.  I think we all agree that during school hours, our kids should be focused on school, but it’s hard to resist the temptation as a parent to reach out them, simply because we can.

Tell us how you feel about the law(s) in Virginia which allow teachers not only to confiscate cell phones but also to read texts and review pictures.  Whether you agree with this or not – at least it’s being talked about, do you know what your school or state’s policies are regarding cell phones?

The Washington Post article written by: Rosalind S. Helderman

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Cyberbullying, Our Youth, Sexting
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Police: 80 Boys Fall Victim To ‘Sexting’ Scheme

November 26th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. - The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is investigating how 80 young boys were pressured to send nude photos of themselves to a 17-year-old Cookeville boy.

Detective Roger Cooper with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating how up to 80 young boys between the ages of 11 and 17 could have become involved in this, yet another sexting scheme.  The texting could date back as far as 2008.

To Read The Full Article Go To: http://bit.ly/fiRk2a

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Sexting
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Police checking alleged sexting of teacher to student

November 24th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

Murrysville police have obtained search warrants for text messages sent between the cell phones of a male Franklin Regional High School teacher and a male student who he allegedly propositioned for…(you’re going to need to read the article yourself to get the additional details because I’m still in shock!)

Here’s a story reported by the Pittsburg Post-Gazette regarding a male teacher reportedly exchanging text messages over a lengthy period of time with a male student.  It is reported that the teacher tried to solicit a nude photo of the student, but then explained in a subsequent text that he was drunk when he asked for the picture.  The names of both the student and teacher are being withheld because no charges have been filed as of yet.  Police are seeking stored text messages, a text message log, calls received and sent.  If the KidPhone Advocate applicationwere installed on your child’s smart phone all of this information would be readily available for you as the parent and owner of the cellular phone relationship.

These stories continue to scare me, with all the technology and with all the ways that exist to get caught – people are still attempting to do these horrible things to minors.  As a parent, as a decent human being I want these people investigated and if they are guilty – get them far away from kids.  I believe that everyone deserves their day in court and I stand behind Not Guilty until proven in a court of law – but after that time — put them away so that they cannot harm anymore children.

Read Full Article: http://bit.ly/fF2W74
Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Our Youth, Sexting
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Another Sexting Scandal Involving Teens

November 22nd, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

Four teenagers are caught up in a sexting scandal:Woodlake Hills Middle School

Headline scare the heck out you? Or are you already numb to these types of articles – I hope not because we cannot give up on this cause or the kids.  This tragedy involves (2) cheerleaders reportedly consensually taking pictures of each other,  and the pictures subsequently found their way into the hands of  fellow students in a school of 900 students.  Two middle school football players are facing disciplinary actions along with the cheerleaders.

As a parent the entire idea scares the heck out of me.  How do we instill in our kids – self respect?  Or what do you think it comes down to – what is it that this generation seems to be missing?  Or is it not a case of missing anything it’s just that with the Internet and technology it’s easier not only to report on these activities but it’s also simple to transmit things that used to be private.  Are we, as parents missing the self-respect lesson for our kids OR are are they choosing to disregard the potential damage & look only at the short term gain of “satisfying” others?

KidPhone Advocate is a technology set up by parents, for parents. KidPhone Advocate was designed around a simple premise: Protect the children. It’s just that simple. Protect the children. It’s what we’re passionate about. We’re parents, just like you! But we believe when it comes to our new digital age, the focus on the advancement of technology and pressures from share-holders and the market to deliver better gadgets and “toys”, has completely over-shadowed the need to make sure our children are protected as they use and embrace these technologies.

Communication remains the number one most effective way to help our children.  It is important that our kids understand that with technology comes a healthy respect and a set of rules set by us, the parents.  What rules do you have in your family regarding the use of cell phones?  We’d like to hear from you, the parents as to how you set these rules for your child’s cell phone use and how you handle things when the rules are broken.

For the full article from KENS5 News: http://bit.ly/d3f3K0

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Our Youth, Parenting, Sexting
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Parents Should Learn About Sexting

November 15th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

The article I read on the Jamestown Sun web page prompted me to think once again about communicating with our teens and/or tweens about the dangers of sexting.  In speaking to my teens about the topic, there is the initial blushing because the word “sex” worked its way into the conversation but then we discuss the concept surrounding the dangers involved with sexting.  I’ve tried to impress upon them both that no matter what it is that is sent out, whether it be a verbal statement, an email or an inappropriate picture – once it’s part of the electronic world, there’s no guarantee how it will be received or disseminated.

The article states that 1 in 5 teenagers have sent a “sext” message.  Although the survey details aren’t shared, if you live in a neighborhood such as I do that has households with teenagers in most homes – which house contains the one “sexting” teen?  What rules have you set up with your kids regarding the technology they use, including their cell phones?

http://bit.ly/JamestownSun

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Our Youth, Sexting
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Teacher, coach accused of ‘sexting’ minors

November 9th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

Another adult is being accused of accused of sending sexually inappropriate text messages to students.  The article reads that this soccer and basketball coach had been texting and emailing the student for more than 2 years, and the report says it recently turned more explicit.  Allegedly a second female student became involved with the coach/teacher just a few months ago.  Unfortunately there are too many headlines like this, but how many do you think go unreported?

If you as the parents could have used technology to help identify this type of activity in the beginning – would you use it?  That’s what KidPhone Advocate is all about – helping protect our children and youth in a digital world.

http://bit.ly/Channel10NBC

http://bit.ly/WPRINews

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Sexting
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Girl, 17, successfully sues school after teacher confiscates her mobile… and finds naked pictures of her

September 21st, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

I read the headline and knew this demanded more than a passing glance.  The story goes that the female student took naked pictures of herself to show her boyfriend (these were not sent from the phone, sexting isn’t the issue here).  The teacher took the phone because the student was using it before a lesson started, quite possibly no issues at this point – but the story doesn’t stop here.  The teacher then took the liberty of scrolling through the pictures on the phone, after which the phone was handed over to the principal who reportedly took the same liberties.

As a parent how do you feel about this?  My initial reaction is all over the board.  First and foremost I am alarmed at the idea of my daughter taking naked pictures of herself period; regardless of whether they were on her phone, digital camera or computer.  So I have a parenting ‘opportunity’ here with my daughter – but then what about the school officials looking through my daughter’s phone.  I honestly do not see what right they have to go through the phone – how do you feel?  Should the school officials have been allowed to go through the student’s phone?  What would you do if you found out that your child’s phone was taken away and then that someone had gone through it?

Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/a4BDzL

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Our Youth, Parenting, Sexting
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Sexting A Brief Guide for Educators and Parents

September 5th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

MTV and the Associated Press explored the issue of #sexting in September of 2009 and found that …. sexting incidents, and include provisions for increase

  • 19% of teens (aged 13 to 19) had sent a sexually‐suggestive picture or video of themselves to someone via email, cell phone, or through another form of online interaction,
  • 31% had received a nude or semi‐nude picture from someone else. Cox Communications released findings from a study…..

www.cyberbullying.us/Sexting_Fact_Sheet.pdf



Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Sexting
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Sexting 101: Parents’ Edition

July 23rd, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

Sara S. is a teen writer from New Jersey. She spends her time on the beach, with her friends, and immersed in a good book.  She enjoys chocolate milk and romantic comedies.

In these days of instant communication I am finding it increasingly harder to put down my cell phone.  Only when I find a few peaceful hours of sleep is my cell phone laying turned off and silent.  However, with my cell phone rarely out of my arms reach, I can only imagine what my parents think I am doing.  Is she talking to her boyfriend? Is she asking about her homework? Is she making plans for the weekend?   Yet, I hardly think my parents are alone in wondering what their child is doing with her cell phone all the time.

Sexting, or sending racy or lewd text messages, pictures, or videos by means of electronic methods, is a growing trend among adolescents.  It is also a concern among parents of teens, yet it isn’t truly understood by most.  Sexting at its most basic level is a search for attention. Generally speaking, the sender is hoping to illicit a response from a boyfriend/girlfriend, new crush, or total stranger at times.  Obviously such a reckless pursuit of attention is wholly inappropriate.  Teenagers, however, will be more willing to either stop sexting or never start if offered alternatives or reasons as to why such behavior is unacceptable and tasteless.

Make it clear to your teens that there are more meaningful ways to make a connection than sending nude photos or scandalous text messages.  If a teen really wants to make an impression on the opposite sex or deepen a relationship there are alternatives: a trendy, cute outfit, a romantic dinner date, or any number of unique and individual options.  More importantly, sex and the physical aspects of a relationship should only be founded on a strong personal connection: it’s the person, not the body.

Lastly, warn your teens about the potential for embarrassment and ridicule.  Once you send a picture or text message it is forever out of your hands.  Even if the receiver wouldn’t share the most intimate details of a relationship, the phone that contains the evidence can fall into the hands of any number of people.  Also, the sending of racy pictures of any minor is akin to the propagation of child pornography, a criminal offense.

In the end, parents must be aware of the phenomenon of sexting. They must understand the process, why teens do it, and what they can do to stop it.  Parents and teens together can prevent more tragic deaths like those of Hope Witsell and Jesse Logan who hung themselves after their photos were publicly distributed and the shame that followed was unbearable.

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Our Youth, Parenting, Sexting
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