As more and more teenagers get caught sending and receiving sexually explicit images of themselves and classmates, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has released a policy statement on “sexting.” This publication serves as a primer for parents (and teenagers) about what sexting is, what it is not, how prevalent the problem is, and the consequences for those involved.

Teenagers, and even preteens, can and do use cell phones, computers, web cams, and digital cameras to produce sexually explicit pictures and videos. While this alone could be passed off as “kids being kids,” it is when these images and videos are transmitted over phones and the Internet that serious problems can arise. They may be intended for only one person, but can quickly spread, especially if that other person is a stranger or predator.

IFI encourages parents to read this policy statement, and take the necessary precautions to protect your children from the dangers of sexting.