Teen sexting is on the rise. JAMA Pediatrics reported that last year from a analysis of 110,000 teens under the age of 18 (11-17 years), over 15% sent sexts and 28% received them. Sexting is on the rise as a form of bullying and control. What starts out as a dare, thrill, and/or attention-getter turns into a nightmare! Often with very sad consequences.

There are sexting laws in Florida and sexting is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree with potential fines and community service involved, and can move quickly to a felony, particularly when involving minors. Sexting is a major form of cyber-bullying. “Sexually cyber-harassment means to publish a sexually explicit image of a person that contains or conveys the personal identification information of the depicted person to an internet website without the depicted person’s consent, for no legitimate purpose, with the intent of causing substantial emotional distress to the depicted person.”

Even the threat of posting is a form of domestic violence. Talk to your grand kids, let them know the law as well as emotional damage that can occur! And then listen to what they say and are willing to share with you about sexting and bullying in their school. You will be surprised.

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FACTS:

Human Trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world,      second only to the drug trade and it is a form of modern-day slavery.

Florida is the 3rd leading state in the nation for human trafficking activities because of our agricultural and recreational industries.

Tampa Bay and surrounding counties have a high incident of sexual and labor exploitation of all ages and gender.

The average reported age in the nation of trafficked youth is 16.

The average life span of a sexual exploited female is 7 years.

Runaway and homeless teens are particularly vulnerable to becoming a human trafficked victim.

Education and prevention, particularly focusing on the social media is key to preventing potential victims.

If you suspect you may have encountered human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center 1-888-373-7888. If you are mistaken, no harm done. If you are correct—you may save a life.