Straight Talk about Sexting and Messaging

Reviews 

This tried-and-true series relies on its successful formula to provide information on a topic of current interest to teens.  Two college-age hosts introduce the issue of sexting and messaging, followed by teens revealing their experiences.  An expert talks about the social, psychological, and legal ramifications of sexting, which is described as a way to express attraction and intimacy in an online environment.  There is some discussion about how sexting mostly involves men pressuring women to engage in it.  Teens are reminded to consider the same questions they should ask themselves when deciding whether to have sex, including, most important, “Is there trust?”  The topic of sexting and the law is examined; legal consequences such as being charged with trafficking in child pornography and being labeled a sex offender are covered.  Finally, if teens either receive or send sexts that become widely shared, they are told to seek out parents or trusted adults for help.  VERDICT Though there’s not a lot of new material here, this is a good introduction to the subject, with tips on how to respond after an incident.--Ann Brownson, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston 

School Library Journal

Combining facts presented by the hosts, expert commentary from Nicole Cushman (executive director at the sex education national organization Answer), and personal stories by real-life teens, this is an informative guidance program on the dangers of “sexting” (sending sexual photos or texts using smartphones).  Straight Talk explores how changing technology affects how we relate to one another, noting that some people use sexting to flirt and express affection from afar, which can have the upside of being safe from physical risk of STIs or pregnancy. However, as participants note, once you send something online, it can’t be retrieved and can resurface following a breakup.  A boy here talks about a long-distance romance with a summer camp girl whom he felt pressured to sext with, while a girl “felt like he’d like me more” after sexting, but her boyfriend showed her pictures to people on the bus.  And another teen is publicly humiliated-and subsequently bullied, and grows suicidal-when her pix are forwarded, eventually reaching more than 10 schools and her principal.  Also touching on the legal ramifications-including penalties, fines, criminal charges, and probation-Straight Talk includes helpful advice about protecting yourself and the importance of trust and consent in healthy relationships.  A straightforward, timely title, this is highly recommended.  Aud: J,J,C,P. (J. Williams-Wood)

Video Librarian