OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF
Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson
225 W. Olive Street
Newport, Oregon 97365
Tel (541) 265-4277
Fax (541) 265-4926
TIP OF THE WEEK
Date: January 25, 2016
WHAT EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SEXTING
This tip has been shared the last several years and generated responses expressing appreciation for publicizing this issue. It is information worth repeating. As your youngsters grow into their teens (and sometimes before), another danger is present thanks to social media and smartphones. It’s called sexting and this troubling trend involves sending sexually explicit messages and/or photos of nude or semi-nude teens electronically. This can be accomplished via cell phones or over the Internet. Photos are often taken by the person appearing in the photo and are intended to be seen by a specific person. But with today’s technology, they often reach far beyond those meant to share them.
The trouble with sexting:
- Because photos can be distributed widely, sexting can ruin reputations and limit one’s ability to get into college, join the military or get a desired job.
- Sexting can result in anxiety and depression.
- It is a crime. Federal law prohibits possessing, distributing or taking sexually explicit images of anyone under the age of 18. State laws may vary, but sexting may lead to jail time and to teens being labeled as sex offenders.
- Information sent via cell phone will be available for as long as 30 to 50 years.
What can parents and guardians do about sexting?
- Talk to your children about the dangers of sexting.
- Set rules and consequences for breaking them.
- Be aware of what your children are posting publicly.
- Know who they’re communicating with.
- Learn how to use their cell phones.
- Be aware of sexting shortcuts and acronyms (see attached list)
What to tell your children about sexting:
- Anything you send or post WILL NOT GO AWAY.
- Nothing you send or post will remain private. You may intend it to go to one person, but it could be forwarded to others without your knowledge.
- You risk jail time as well as being labeled a sex offender.
- You don’t have to give in to pressure from others to do something that makes you UNCOMFORTABLE.
- Friends who care about you won’t want you to get into trouble by sexting.
For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and on your Smartphone via the “MobilePatrol” app and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
SOME OF TODAYS POPULAR SEXTING SHORTCUTS OR ACRONYMS
P911- Parent Alert PAL- Parents are listening PAW- Parents are watching
PIR- Parent in room KPC- Keeping parents clueless 99- Parent no longer watching
CD9– Code 9 (Parents are around) 8- Oral Sex 143- I love you
182- I hate you ADR- Address ASL- Age, Sex, Location
GNOC- Get naked on cam KFY/K4Y- Kiss for you LMIRL- Lets meet in real life
MOOS- Member(s) of the opposite sex MorF- Male or Female MOSS- Mom over shoulder
NALOPKT- Not a lot of people know that NIFOC- Nude in front of comp. NMU- Not much, U?
RUH- Are you horny TDTM- Talk to dirty to me WYCM- Will you call me?
