Back in June 2008, I posted a blog on “SEXTING…” which the Urban Dictionary defines as: “The act of text messaging someone in the hopes of having a sexual encounter with them later; initially casual, transitioning into highly suggestive and even sexually explicit.”I linked it to the website www.netsmartz.org, which included articles of teens and nude cell phone photos.

The Sunday, August 31^st Fargo Forum entitled “Many teens sharing pornographic images,” is the reason I bring this topic to your attention again.  I rarely read the newspaper anymore, as like TV there is minuscule good information coming through these media sources.  This article concerns me GREATLY!  I don’t have children of my own, but I have a niece who is a freshman in High School and has her own cell phone.

This article is one in a vast array of “Teachable Moments” you can pass onto  your child during the car ride to school or the mall, don’t miss this opportunity to inform, protect, and chat with them!  We may live in the Midwest but the kids under our protection are not immune to the risks and dangers they place themselves in while they chit chat on-line or text when not supervised by a caring and concerned adult.  You have the authority to disconnect certain services on your child’s cell phone (the camera option is one of them as is the texting)!

- Lora M. (MSC Staff Member)

Facebook, Myspace, YouTube, etc….the list goes on! These are the top three social networking sites. MSC recently launched:

• facebook group: “Worth Waiting For“
• myspace profile: “Make a Sound Choice”
• youtube channel: “Make a Sound Choice.”

If you feel lost within the world of groups, profiles and channels, you are not alone! Click here for tips on what you should and shouldn’t do when you are networking with friends and strangers on-line!