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Parents should teach their children about the dangers of sexting

By Dhar Law, LLP

Teenagers often feel they are invincible, like nothing bad will ever happen to them and that life is always fair. Oftentimes, this leads them to trust people they should stay away from or to make poor decisions regarding who they interact with. Any parent of a teenager knows that teaching them is a balancing act between letting them make their own choices and protecting them from dangers they do not see coming. As mobile devices have become so popular and social media platforms are accessible at all times of the day and night, one thing that parents should be teaching all their children is the dangers of sexting.

Your teen could face criminal charges

There are legal consequences of sexting that your children may be unaware of. If they receive or send sexually explicit messages, they may be in trouble with the law. Even if teens did not ask for a picture but it was forwarded to them, they may still be charged with a sex crime. Those charged with a sex crime must register with the government as a sex offender and inform anyone they live by of the charges for the rest of their lives. Small choices made at a young age can have lasting consequences for teenagers.

Your teen may exhibit early sexual behavior

Those who sext when they are young are more likely to engage in sexual activity at a younger age, which can be damaging both emotionally and physically. Teens who have sex with multiple partners are at an increased risk for health problems and sexually transmitted diseases. Many get caught up in sex and lose sight of motivations and goals they previously had.

Your teen may find their pictures posted online as a form of revenge.

Revenge porn is a problem that has gotten worse over the years. Once teens send a sexually explicit message to someone else, they no longer have control over who sees it. While they think they are in love now, if the relationship ends badly, the recipient may choose to show friends or post the photo online without the permission of the sender. This can have devastating consequences for teens and adults. Even apps that claim they are secure have security breaches, and teens are safer not sending the pictures at all.

Your teen may need representation

Online behavior can have legal consequences. If your teen has been caught up in a sexting scandal and you are not sure where to turn, consult an attorney immediately to ensure your child’s rights are protected.

Arrested?

Have you or a family member been charged or arrested? It’s important not to make mistakes early on in your case. Download our PDF on the top 3 things to do to help your defense or if you have been arrested by the State Police or FBI or you are the subject of an FBI Arrest Warrant.

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Heading up the firm, Vikas Dhar is widely recognized as a leader in the New England legal community. An accomplished business litigator and a “Top 40 Under 40” criminal defense attorney, he has also been honored as a New England Super Lawyer/Rising Star in the area of White-Collar Criminal Defense for each of the past six years by Boston Magazine.

I have the power and the skill to be able to save people from themselves. I can be your guide during the darkness. I can hold your hand and navigate you out of the darkness into the light.

— Vikas Dhar
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