Navigating the Digital Age

• You are responsible for everything you text, so think before texting.
• If you’re fighting or angry with a friend, you should not text that person until you have calmed down. Take the time to write a thought-out message to make sure you are conveying a clear and concise text that can’t be misconstrued.
• You should never deliver bad news via text and if you know that what you want to text cannot be kept short and to the point.
• Try to avoid texting while in the presence of others or in public places (during class, church, dinner, etc.). Also be mindful at what time of day you are texting, as the receiver could be sleeping if you text him or her too early in the morning or too late at night.
• Texting does not replace face-to-face interaction.

• Sexting often involves text messages that are sexual and pornographic in nature, including pictures.
• Sexting is a very serious offense that has dire consequences, such as suspension from school, police involvement, and can inhibit chances of getting into college or landing a job.
• Never give in to peer pressure, and always say no to sexting. If you are asked to sext, an example response could be, “Sexting is illegal and has serious consequences, so I will never take part in it.”
• If you receive a sext, don’t respond, don’t send it to anyone else and delete it immediately.
• If someone continues to send inappropriate photos, don’t be afraid to speak to your parents or a trusted adult for help on how to handle the situation.

Learn about the consequences of sexting.

• The more private a page is, the better.
• Everything posted on the Internet is public and can have a long shelf life due to the ability to take screenshots, so use good judgment at all times when posting photos, videos, comments or updates.
• If you skip meals, homework and activities for social media or you have a drop in grades or weight loss or gain, contact your CCP pediatrician for guidance on how to overcome this addiction.

Seven out of ten kids are affected by cyber bullying, which is bullying that takes place through electronic technology such as cell phones and computers. If you feel that you are being bullied or someone you know is bullying, take action immediately. For information on bullying, visit www.stopbullying.gov.