Sexting?

Chris McGinn posted a blog on Digital Landing! Read about the statistics of teenage girls who send nude or semi-nude pictures electronically, and how to prevent it.

The Today Show this morning had a shocking and sobering story on teens tech use and the sending of nude or semi-nude photos of themselves electronically.

According to the results of a survey released today by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com, 22 percent of all teen girls — and 11 percent of teen girls ages 13-16 years old — say they have electronically sent, or posted online, nude or semi-nude images of themselves.

Teens seem to be unaware or unconcerned of the consequences of sending these images as they can be passed along and posted online without any permission or security.

Another survey reported:

The online survey of 1,280 teens and young adults — done by TRU, a company that conducts research on teens and 20-somethings — indicates that 15 percent of teens who have sent sexually suggestive content such as text messages, e-mail, photographs or video say they have done so with someone they only know online.

The Today Show story suggested talking with your kids about what they are doing in cyberspace, know who they are talking to online, set limitations on their electronic communications, and set expectations about what is and what is not appropriate online.

It’s a brave new world. Stay on top of technology trends so you can be a better, more informed parent.