Cyberspace

The media culture may lead you to believe that drinking makes you cool, drugs help you fit in, and sex is just a physical act between two people, but the reality is that is fantasy.  There are real risks and consequences to these things.  The problem is that the media will so rarely tell you these things.Things  like the impact of a broken relationship that involved sexual activity, or that being drunk can lead you to make a life-changing decisions, or that doing drugs in high school can lead to addiction, lies, and broken relationships with friends and family.  That’s reality.

Sexting – Srsly risky!

Texting can be simple and fun but Sexting is a different story. 

Sexting means:sharing sexually explicit word messages or sexual photos or videos of you or another person.  It may sound flirty and harmless, but it’s seriously wrong and it can cause real problems.

Be smart when you communicate.  Think it over and before you send, forward or post anything, ask yourself:

How would I feel if my parents, grandparents, teachers or coach saw this?
Would I want this posted at school where everyone could see it?
Would I say this or share this in person?

If the answer is “Not Good” or “No”, don’t share it.

IF THE PRESSURE IS ON:
Stand up for yourself:  If a group or person asks you to send a sext, don’t give in.
- Say NO or ignore the request
- Give a reason-”That’s sharing way too much.”

People who really care about you won’t pressure you to do something unsafe.

And, do the right thing.  If someone sends you an inappropriate message or image:

-Don’t reply and don’t share it with anyone.  Passing it on could land you in big trouble.
-Tell a parent, teacher, school counselor or other trusted adult right away.  He or she can help find the right way to deal with it.  Get his or her OK before deleting the message.