For many parents, the new world of social media and ever-changing technology is a scary place. While words like “tweet” and “sext” may seem foreign to us, they’re part of a language our teens and pre-teens fluently speak. Today’s generation of kids is constantly communicating, whether through Facebook, cell phones or other social media websites, and it’s up to parents to make sure they’re being safe about it. Repercussions of inappropriate online behaviors can be long lasting, so how can you protect your kids?

Michael Massey is program manager for Le Bonheur’s teen pregnancy prevention program Be Proud! Be Responsible! Memphis! He urges parents to talk to their kids about the topic of social media and “sexting” sooner rather than later.

“According to one survey of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 22 percent of girls and 18 percent of boys say they have electronically sent or posted nude or semi-nude images of themselves on the internet,” said Massey.

“Sexting” is the term used to refer to sending a text message with pictures of children or teens that are inappropriate, naked or engaged in sex acts. These pictures and messages aren’t private. Teens should be told that once you send a picture, you have no control over who views it.

“They can’t know if others might forward their pictures or messages to people they do not know or want to see them,” Massey adds.

School administrators and future employers often look at online profiles to make judgments about potential students or employees. And there are legal ramifications to “sexting,” too.  Some teens are facing child pornography charges for sending nude images to other teens.

“So talk sooner than later, monitoring daily, if not hourly, and help your kids understand the consequences and repercussions of being inappropriate online or via the cell phone,” says Massey.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also has some helpful recommendations for parents:
 •Learn about these technologies first hand. Make a profile for yourself and monitor your kid’s profile.
 •Let your kids know their use of technology is something you want and need to know about. Ask them daily: “Have you used the computer and Internet today?”
 •Keep the computer in a public part of your home, such as the family room or kitchen.
 •Talk with other parents about what their kids of similar ages are using for social media. Use that information as a starting point for discussion with your kids.
 •For all ages, emphasize that everything sent over the Internet or a cell phone can be shared with the entire world, so it is important they use good judgment in sending messages and pictures.
 •Have your kids and teens show you where the privacy features are for every social media venues they are using.
 •Consider using formal monitoring systems to track your child’s e-mail, chat and image content. Parental controls on your computer or from your Internet service provider are good options.
 •Set time limits for Internet and cell phone use.

With the recent media coverage of the teen pregnancy issue in Memphis, you might be wondering how soon is too soon to talk to your child about sex.

Many parents want to delay the conversation as long as possible, but it’s an important discussion to have. Arming your child with the right information is key for preventing unsafe sexual behavior.

Sandra Madubuonwu, MSN, CNS, RN, is supervisor of Le Bonheur’s Nurse-Family Partnership program – an outreach program that offers at-home prenatal care for low income women during their first pregnancy and through the first two years of their child’s life. She is also a mother of three teenage children.

“Having a conversation about sex with your children is so important,” says Sandra. “It is a lack of information that leads to unsafe sexual behavior.”

And that conversation should begin at an early age, she says, starting with teaching your kids the appropriate names for body parts. Parents should also teach their children at an early age that it is never OK for anyone to touch these parts.

As far as “the birds and the bees” talk, Sandra says there is no specific age designated as the right age to initiate this conversation. She recommends broaching the subject when your child is in the fifth grade or in the early stages of middle school.

“What you don’t want is for your kids to get the wrong information,” she says. “They will hear information from their peers, and it likely won’t be the right information.”

Through her work in community outreach, Sandra has heard a wide range of peer-created rumors about sex. Among the rumors – some think drinking alcohol and jumping up and down after sex will prevent pregnancy. Make sure that, as your children’s most trusted source, you’re giving them accurate information about sex and dispelling all rumors.

Parents don’t have to be explicit when they talk about sex, but they should be honest. Start by asking them what they already know about sex. Make sure you validate what they say if it’s true, and don’t make them feel embarrassed.

For parents who might be nervous to bring it up, Sandra says to use teaching moments – something that makes the conversation timely. The recent media coverage of teen pregnancy is an excellent teaching moment, she says.

“Tell your kids, ‘I want to talk about what’s been in the news lately. What do you think of teen pregnancy,’” Sandra suggests.

Teach your kids the consequences of unsafe sex, like pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Parents should not assume their children already know the basic facts. Tell them that diseases they might have heard of – AIDS, HIV, etc. – are passed along through unprotected sex. Talk about the bright future ahead of them, and explain to them how their goals and ambitions can be affected by having sex.

Many parents also wonder which is best – promoting abstinence or talking about safe sex. There is no right or wrong answer, Sandra explains.

“It’s a family decision based on culture and religion, but regardless of your beliefs, you must have a conversation about sex with your kids,” she says.