Unfortunately, sexting and cyberbullying is in the news again. I personally do not want to promote the story so as to give the bullies their moment, but I will honor Amanda Todd for the pain she had to endure. Sexting is an issue, cyberbullying is not far behind with the forwarding of images that should not have been sent in the first place and now social networks that further cause anguish.
Normally with infographics I pull some nuggets. Instead, youth pastors and parents, I want to challenge you:
Be proactive and take a stand.
Here are some tips how to do so:
Parents
- Talk with teens in a non-judgmental environment.
- Setup rules and consequences. If it happens, let them know CLEARLY what will happen.
- Establish a phone check rule. Best policy, have a scheduled and random phone check that is agreed upon by the parents and student.
- Reward good behavior.
Youth Pastors
- Encourage parents
- Know how you are going to respond when a crisis happen before it happens.
- Empower your church staff with resources.
- Create a church policy that is agreed upon by all the necessary church people.
- Train your volunteers.
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How are you going to stand up against sexting that is constructive and effective?
[HT uKknowKids.com]
Bevan says
I find with our Youth Group that we need to be doing some real teaching when it comes to relationships. Even from a young age kids are getting taught about relationships and sex however what they are being taught doesn’t usually line up with what we believe they should be teaching. I know personally I didn’t receive the lessons on relationships and sex that I feel would have in my younger teenage years. I think one of the most valuable things we can do is to teach them what a healthy relationship is and what the foundations need to be earlier rather than later. Prevention is better than trying to sort out issues later.
Our small group studies have been about relationships and sex, we are running through a program called Search for Intimacy. As leaders we believe from the feedback we have received that it is really beneficial to do something like this. Covers, Theology and Power of Sex, Deadly Dating, How Far is Too Far, etc etc.
Bevan