What is sexting? If you are a parent worried about a child or teen that has been or may become involved in sexting or if you are a teen that is being pressured to participated in sexting or other inappropriate text messaging, learn more here. The term "sexting" was adopted around 2005 and has taken on several different meanings. When asking what is sexting, people naturally think of sex and texting and in a nutshell that is what it is about. Teenagers, and adults, using mobile phones, instant messaging, email, chat rooms, or any other type of digital technology to share nude, partly nude, or any type of sexually related content is participating in sexting.
It is crucial for both parents and teens to understand that once a message is sent the individual loses all control of that message or image. What was meant for an individual you love, is now completely out of your control. You can never get it back, delete it, have complete control over that information again. Before you send that picture or message ask yourself how it would feel to have your parents, teachers, or the whole school reading or looking at it. You may think that your boyfriend or girlfriend would never share it or pass it along, but what you don't know is who else may gain access to it. If it is forwarded on to the individuals email, a parent, sibling, or friends may see it. If it is viewed on a school computer it will most likely be save in a temporary Internet folder that many people have access to.
What if you send the message and your boyfriends best guy friend is borrowing his phone? There are a million things that can go wrong, and the risk is not worth it. Even if nothing comes of it and you forget you ever sent anything and it only happened once, years down the road pictures and messages resurface and ruin marriages, careers, and break up families. If you are being pressured by a boyfriend or girlfriend to be involved in some type of sexting, get the help of sites like thatsnotcool.com, they have some great to the point graphics that you can send to help get the message across that just because you won't be involved in sexting, doesn't mean you don't love and want to have a relationship with the person.
Parents, you have to talk to your kids about sexting. They can't see all the possibilities of what their youthful decisions can lead to. If you are too uncomfortable or don't know what to tell them. Find some news stories and online articles that you can share that will help them understand what sexting is, the dangers or sexting, and ways to stop or stay out of sexting conversations all together. Other names by which you may hear sexting referred to is cyber sex, phone sex, Facebook sexting, or many other names. If you need to, create a cell phone contract that details exactly how and when a mobile phone can be used and the consequences that a teen will face when violating the terms of the cell phone contract. Teens also need to realize that distribution of any teen sexually explicit photo is illegal and many states are now pursing distribution of pornography charges against teens that are sharing any such material.
Even celebrities have been known to be involved in sexting and have felt the negative repercussions of their choices. Don't let a message sent in moment of weakness or vulnerability lead to a lifetime of regrets. The old "Just Say NO" motto that has been used for years regarding drug use applies just as much here, don't be pressured into sexting, don't be afraid to say no. In the end people will love and respect your much more for your courage to say no than they would to have received the dirty message or photo.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Behavior Modification Using a Behavior Contract
For parents looking for information on behavior modification using a behavior contract, check out some examples of parent contracts charts at parentcontracts.com. Our website is a great resource for finding out more about parent child contracts and how to help your child modify his/her behavior. Many parents from time to time find their child or children acting out and behaving in a negative manner. Behavior modification using a behavior contract is a great way to help establish rules and guidelines for your child to help children change their negative behavior.
There are various different types of behavior contracts parents can use for behavior modification for specific behaviors dealing with all kinds of teen issues from drinking, driving, and dating, to daily chores and more. Some of these contracts are simple and might just outline the rules that are expected to be followed. However, some behavior contracts might be more complex and would require signatures from both the child and parent agreeing to the rules and terms as well as consequences of what happens if the contract is not followed. The behavior contract might also include positive reinforcement if certain goals of the behavior modification plan are followed.
The behavior contract works best when the child is allowed to have some say in the goals set forth by the contract. The parent and child must also sign the contract to show that they agree to the terms of behavior modification using a behavior contract. One of the most important parts of behavior modification using a behavior contract is to keep in mind that it is vital to follow through with all of the conditions of the contract. By following through on the terms listed in the contract, parents are establishing control over the behavior modification plan and are not allowing the child to bend the rules to fit their own agenda or behaviors.
One way to ensure improvements in behavior modification using a behavior contract is to follow through on the behavior contract with your child by conducting meetings to see how it is working and if any changes need to be made. This allows you to get a good idea of how your child is responding to the behavior contract and to find out what they think of it. This will help you to know if it is truly effective in managing your child’s behavior. If it doesn’t seem to be working, make sure the expectations set by the behavior contract are considered to be reasonable. Make sure the consequences are appropriate in helping to manage the child’s behavior.
Following through with the consequences of failed behavior every time, is the best way to maintain control and to make sure your child knows you are serious about correcting negative behaviors in the home or at school. Your child may not be happy about behavior modification using a behavior contract because the entire idea may seem overwhelming. However a behavior contract is a great way to stop problems before they get out of control. Try not to focus on negative behavior, and instead focus on the positive behavior that is outlined in the behavior contract. Encourage the best behavior and make sure and praise your child when they do well.
Make sure to check out our website at parentcontracts.com to find out more about parent child contracts, to see examples of parent contracts, and to see how they can benefit your family by establishing rules and guidelines with your child. Being willing to talk to your child throughout the entire process shows that you really do care about them and that meeting their individual needs is what is most important. If you print out a pre-made contract that doesn't really apply and make them sign it, neither the parent or teen will be dedicated to it. By choosing a behavior contract that you fill in with what fits your family, your situation, and your teen, and allowing them to help you create the contract so that they feel it is reasonable, will greatly increase the chance of success. If behavior modification using a behavior contract is your goal, don't just settle for the first free printable you come across.
There are various different types of behavior contracts parents can use for behavior modification for specific behaviors dealing with all kinds of teen issues from drinking, driving, and dating, to daily chores and more. Some of these contracts are simple and might just outline the rules that are expected to be followed. However, some behavior contracts might be more complex and would require signatures from both the child and parent agreeing to the rules and terms as well as consequences of what happens if the contract is not followed. The behavior contract might also include positive reinforcement if certain goals of the behavior modification plan are followed.
The behavior contract works best when the child is allowed to have some say in the goals set forth by the contract. The parent and child must also sign the contract to show that they agree to the terms of behavior modification using a behavior contract. One of the most important parts of behavior modification using a behavior contract is to keep in mind that it is vital to follow through with all of the conditions of the contract. By following through on the terms listed in the contract, parents are establishing control over the behavior modification plan and are not allowing the child to bend the rules to fit their own agenda or behaviors.
One way to ensure improvements in behavior modification using a behavior contract is to follow through on the behavior contract with your child by conducting meetings to see how it is working and if any changes need to be made. This allows you to get a good idea of how your child is responding to the behavior contract and to find out what they think of it. This will help you to know if it is truly effective in managing your child’s behavior. If it doesn’t seem to be working, make sure the expectations set by the behavior contract are considered to be reasonable. Make sure the consequences are appropriate in helping to manage the child’s behavior.
Following through with the consequences of failed behavior every time, is the best way to maintain control and to make sure your child knows you are serious about correcting negative behaviors in the home or at school. Your child may not be happy about behavior modification using a behavior contract because the entire idea may seem overwhelming. However a behavior contract is a great way to stop problems before they get out of control. Try not to focus on negative behavior, and instead focus on the positive behavior that is outlined in the behavior contract. Encourage the best behavior and make sure and praise your child when they do well.
Make sure to check out our website at parentcontracts.com to find out more about parent child contracts, to see examples of parent contracts, and to see how they can benefit your family by establishing rules and guidelines with your child. Being willing to talk to your child throughout the entire process shows that you really do care about them and that meeting their individual needs is what is most important. If you print out a pre-made contract that doesn't really apply and make them sign it, neither the parent or teen will be dedicated to it. By choosing a behavior contract that you fill in with what fits your family, your situation, and your teen, and allowing them to help you create the contract so that they feel it is reasonable, will greatly increase the chance of success. If behavior modification using a behavior contract is your goal, don't just settle for the first free printable you come across.
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