1. Behaviors have positive and negative consequences, but the best way to avoid negative and unforeseen consequences is to avoid the behavior entirely. After a text message has been sent, it is not retrievable, and one cannot control what happens to the content. Thus, it's always good to assume the worst can and will happen with a text message before hitting the send button.
   
2. While adolescence is a time of growth, physical development, and experimentation, it is also a time of tremendous opportunity for identity formation. Youth need to develop a sense of self-worth which is rooted not in their physical features but in deeper, inner qualities—and date those who likewise seek relationships built on shared interests, caring and sensitivity to the feelings of others, similar values, and so on.
   
3. Teens often have a difficult time believing that anything negative can happen to them, and they do not always understand how decisions can affect one's entire future. Help them to understand the ramifications of the criminal charges that can result from sexting, and talk with them about what it actually means to have to register as an offender.
   
4. Forgiveness (of oneself, by God, of friends, etc.) is possible and desirable. Forgiveness may not be offered by a judge or legal system.
   
5. If someone sends you an inappropriate text, delete it. Youth can certainly ask friends who send them these texts to stop, and share concerns about repeat offenders with a trusted adult. 
   
6. Good parents will be interested in a teen's texting behaviors—not because they want to snoop into a teen's life, but because they have a responsibility to nurture and protect them and guide their behavior. Help teens to see their ability to send texts as a sign of a parent's trust in them.
   
7. The Christian spiritual life involves daily practices which form and inform our decision-making abilities. Youth can learn and practice disciplines of prayer, reading scripture, journaling, etc. as a way of strengthening one's personal, social, and faith commitments. 
   

~ Tim Gossett