Stand Up to Sexting: An Open Conversation for Parents and Tweens

by Christy Monson, Heather Boynton, Albert Pinilla (Illustrator)

Overview

"A valuable resource on this important topic." —Kirkus Reviews

Sexting-the texting of nude or sexually suggestive images to another person-has become so commonplace that nearly 1 in 4 teens admits to being a participant. The problem is, sexting destroys self-esteem, undermines healthy relationships, leads to depression and self-harm, and can even result in run-ins with the law. It's no wonder that parents recently put sexting among their top-3 parenting concerns. But what's a parent to do?

Stand Up to Sexting is the essential guidebook for parents and tweens to having an open, relaxed conversation about the dangers of sexting. Written in short chapters, the book includes friendly illustrations, Q&A prompts for easy conversations, and tools for staying safe. Designed for tweens ages 10-13, the book is the perfect preemptive tool for preparing your kids before their teen years strike. Chapter topics include:

• What is Sexting?
• Sexting and the Brain
• Your Digital Footprints
• What to Do if You Feel Pressured to Sext
• Boyfriends and Girlfriends
• How to Avoid Being a Victim of a Sexting Bully
• Staying Safe from Predators
• Using the Internet for Good
• and much more!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781733633574
Publisher:	Bushel & Peck Books
Publication date:	06/02/2020
Pages:	120
Sales rank:	1,070,229
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

As a marriage and family therapist, Christy Monson spent years helping clients heal and reframe their lives in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. She received her B.A degree from Utah State University and a M.S. from University of Nevada at Las Vegas. The mother of six children and the grandmother to many grandchildren, Christy is now retired and lives in Northern Utah. She is the author of several books including Love, Hugs, and Hope: When Scary Things Happen (Familius), Family Talk (Familius), and Becoming Free (Familius).

Heather is a member of the Child Development Department at Clovis Community College. She received her MA in early childhood education from California State University. Before becoming a full-time professor, Heather worked as a preschool teacher and Programs for Infants and Toddlers (PITC) trainer. She was also a California Early Childhood Mentor Teacher. Heather lives in California with her husband, Dave, and their four kids.

Albert Pinilla is a freelance illustrator based between Barcelona and Finland. He has worked for many publishers and companies including Editorial Casals, Editorial Sàpiens, Diset S.A, Goula, Editorial San Pablo, Descobrir, Namaka magazine, Editorial Mi Cuento, P/A/N, Capçalera, Davos Comunicación S.L, La Agencia de Publicidad S.A (Spain), Hannacroix Creek Books, Bookworks, Highlights magazine (U.S.), Petit Dimoni magazine (France), Headu Giochi (Italy), Igloo Books (United Kingdom), Schildts & Söderstrströms (Finland), and Akotek (Norway).

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

Part I Things You Need to Know About Sexting 13

What is Sexting? 15

Sexting and Your Brain 23

Your Digital Footprints 31

Part II What if Someone Wants Me to Participate in Sexting? 39

Among Friends 41

Boyfriends and Girlfriends 47

What About Bystanders? 53

Part III How to Avoid Being a Sexting Victim 61

The Power of Netiquette 63

Dealing with Sexting Cyberbullies 69

Staying Safe from Predators 77

Part IV Other Important Conversations 85

What If I Make a Mistake? 87

But I Reeaaally Want a Smartphone! 95

Using the Internet for Good 105

Appendix 113

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus: Recognizing that sexting is a significant parenting concern today, the authors created this book to give parents, teachers, faith leaders, and other adults who live and work with elementary- and middle school–aged young people tools to start a dialogue on the subject. . . . Each chapter opens with a short explanation of the topic in a conversational style and continues with a realistic and accessible anecdote aimed at kids. These are followed by conversation starters that avoid shaming young people or blaming any one gender; journal prompts and goal-setting exercises appear with blank lines for kids’ musings. Kid-friendly graphics featuring a multiracial cast further amplify the book’s approachable tone. [. . .] Overall, a valuable resource on this important topic. (Informational, 10-13)

From the Publisher

2020-03-29
A guide to help adults broach the dangers of sexting with preteens.

Recognizing that sexting is a significant parenting concern today, the authors created this book to give parents, teachers, faith leaders, and other adults who live and work with elementary- and middle school–aged young people tools to start a dialogue on the subject. After a brief introduction to some of the emotional, social, and legal consequences of sexting, the guide is then divided into four sections on sexting basics (e.g., what it is and how it affects the brain), sexting participation (both actively and as a bystander), how to avoid becoming a sexting victim, and related topics (e.g., determining readiness for a smartphone). Each chapter opens with a short explanation of the topic in a conversational style and continues with a realistic and accessible anecdote aimed at kids. Examples range from unsolicited locker-room snapshots through solicited nude photos to potential online predators. These are followed by conversation starters that avoid shaming young people or blaming any one gender; journal prompts and goal-setting exercises appear with blank lines for kids’ musings. Kid-friendly graphics featuring a multiracial cast further amplify the book’s approachable tone. The text addresses only heterosexual relationships, however, and one bully-prevention idea excludes some faiths by suggesting only joining a church youth group.

Overall, a valuable resource on this important topic. (Nonfiction. 10-13)

Kirkus Reviews