Book Review
A short overview of this book
Stand Up to Sexting: An Open Conversation to Parents and Tweens by Christy Monson & Heather Boynton is a great book for starting shame-free conversations with your tween about sexting.
It is the sort of book all parents should consider reading with their tween as they start Middle School (or High School), and definitely before you buy them their first phone and/or let them start using social media.
What I like about this book, is that you can work through the book with your child (chapter by chapter).
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!
It also uses lots of relatable stories to illustrate the different lessons, and facilitates discussion by providing questions that encourage your child to think about what they could do if they were in that situation.
All in all, I really like this book and I think parents will find it very helpful in starting essential conversations about sexting.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 10 to 13 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Stand Up to Sexting: An Open Conversation to Parents and Tweens by Christy Monson & Heather Boynton from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. I’m here to help you navigate those sometimes awkward conversations about love, sex, relationships, and yes, even sexting, with your kids. And let me tell you, I’m a huge fan of books!
Books are amazing because they make it so much easier to remember important information. Plus, they can help kickstart those conversations that might feel a bit uncomfortable. Speaking of which, I recently came across a book called Stand Up to Sexting and Open Conversations for Parents and Kids by Christy Monson and Heather Boynton. And let me tell you, it’s the only book about sexting for kids that I know of.
What I really love about this book is that it’s not your typical dry read. It’s filled with pictures and divided into easy-to-digest sections. So you can pick a topic and read about it at your own pace. It’s specifically geared towards younger children, those who are just getting their first phone or are about to.
The authors, Christy Monson and Heather Boynton, really know their stuff. They have professional and academic backgrounds, so you can trust that they’re well-informed. I appreciate that they didn’t just decide to write a book on a whim, but instead bring years of experience and research to the table.
Now, let me give you a sneak peek inside the book. It starts off by explaining what sexting is and the impact it can have on the brain. It also delves into the concept of a digital footprint, emphasizing that once something is out there, it’s out there for good. The book covers topics like peer pressure, dealing with boyfriends and girlfriends, and even how to be a responsible bystander.
One thing I really appreciate is that the authors acknowledge that we all make mistakes. They provide guidance on what to do if you find yourself in a tricky situation and even address the desire for a smartphone, emphasizing the importance of maturity and responsibility.
And you know what? The book doesn’t just focus on the negatives. It also highlights the positive aspects of the internet. It reminds us that there are good things that can come from using technology, like sharing fun experiences with loved ones or using maps to explore new places.
What sets this book apart is that it’s not just about reading. It encourages conversation and reflection. It presents stories and prompts for kids to think about their own feelings and goals. It’s a book that you can read together with your child, sparking meaningful discussions along the way.
So, if you’re looking for a resource to help you broach the topic of sexting with your kids, I highly recommend Stand Up to Sexting and Open Conversations for Parents and Kids. It’s a gentle and informative guide that will equip you with the tools you need to have those important conversations. Remember, it’s never too early to start talking openly and honestly with your children about these topics.
I hope this review has been helpful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Cheers!
