8 Things Your Teen Should Never Send Over Text

What your teen texts could have safety, ethical, even legal implications. That’s why it’s important to talk to your teen about what’s safe and not-so-safe to send. Here are eight things your teen should never text. 

1. Sexually explicit material 

Nude photos, racy videos, and sexts could cause major problems for your teen. 

• Social fallout. Imagine your teen sends a nude meant only for a significant other. Now, imagine they break up and the ex forwards the photo to half the class. 
• Safety concerns. If explicit content gets shared online, the kids involved become vulnerable to predators, sextortion, and stalking.
• Legal consequences. In some jurisdictions, sending or receiving explicit material can lead to felony charges and permanent placement on sex offender registries.  

2. Anything that doesn’t pass the Parent Test

Would your teen be embarrassed if you saw it? Then they shouldn't send it. 

This isn’t to imply that you should read every one of your teen’s messages. But if they understand that you might, they’ll hopefully think twice before sending something questionable. 

Looking for a way to keep an eye on your teen’s texts without the tedious, and potentially invasive, task of reading every message? BrightCanary scans their messages and sends you a real-time alert to anything concerning. 

3. Anything that doesn’t pass the future boss test 

What might qualify as normal teenage shenanigans and youthful indiscretion now could come back to bite your teen in the future. If a screenshot of the wrong thing gets out, it could compromise college admissions or employment. 

4. Difficult conversations 

It can seem easier to have heavy conversations over text, but some conversations are better in person. For example:

• Anger. A text written in the heat of the moment can lead to a lot of hurt and regret. Advise your teen to type it in their notes app instead (to avoid an impulsive send), then let it sit for a day or two. If they’re still angry, suggest they call the person or talk in person. It’s not easy to express anger to someone in person in a constructive way, but it’s an important life skill worth practicing. 
• Break ups. Breaking up with someone over text is generally not a good idea. It can be hurtful and minimizes the opportunity for closure. Of course, if your teen has safety concerns about how the other person will react, sending a text is wise. Ending a very casual “situationship” over text might also be okay. But for most breakups, it’s better to buck up and do it in person.
• Apologies. Minor apologies are fine over text. But for the big ones, the person your teen is apologizing to deserves at least a phone call. 

5. Mean-spirited messages (including bullying) 

Digital communication often makes people bolder because the screen feels like a buffer. But words hurt just as much over text. 

When messages cross into cyberbullying territory, your teen could face serious consequences, including legal repercussions if physical threats are involved or if the bullying targets someone based on their gender, race, or disability. 

Did you know? With BrightCanary, you can monitor what your child texts to other people and get alerts for concerning content.

6. Things that aren’t their business to share 

Your teen doesn’t need to share gossip or screenshots of text threads, especially over text, where it could live on and quickly snowball out of control. 

7. Their location 

Obviously, texting their bestie where to meet up or telling you where they’re going is totally cool. But, for safety reasons, your teen shouldn’t give away their location to people they don’t know well in real life. That includes: 

• Live location sharing 
• Sending a pin with their location 
• Their home address
• The name of their school 
• Photos that reveal location clues, such as intersections, building addresses, or landmarks

8. Private data

Private data should never be sent over text. Even if they trust the person they’re sending it to (you, for instance), messages aren’t always secure and could be intercepted by bad actors. Information your teen should never text includes: 

• Passwords 
• PIN numbers 
• Login information 
• Financial details 
• Social Security number 

How to teach your teen to text smarter

Show your teen this list of eight things they should never text, and emphasize that digital material lives on forever. Use BrightCanary to monitor your teen’s texts so you can step in and support them if they make a misstep.

Related posts:

What to Know About Monitoring Your Child’s Text Messages How to Talk to Your Child About Sending Inappropriate Text Messages How to Talk to Teens About the Risks of Sexting What to Do If Your Child Is Texting Someone They Shouldn’t