Sexting -- or the sending of sexual notes, nude photos or elicit videos via text messages -- is a rising trend. Tweens and teens might say and do things over the phone that they might not otherwise do in person. As a result, they could get in trouble.

Parents should discuss sexting with their kids when they feel the timing is right. Ask them what they know about it and remind them about the risks in a conversational, nonconfrontational way. Let them know they can talk to you if they have sent or received something inappropriate.               

Make sure your teens understand there’s no guarantee that the person they’re sexting with will keep it discreet. Once the message is sent, it could easily be forwarded to multiple people with the push of a button. It’s unlikely that any teen wants to suffer that kind of embarrassment. In other words, your teen should know that whatever they type or send can come back to haunt them very publicly on Facebook or Twitter, or on the phones of dozens of people at school. Electronic communications are forever.

Also remind your kids that whatever they type or show visually in a text message might offend the person they’re sending it to. In fact, it may even be illegal -- it could be considered child pornography -- and thus put your teens and the recipient at risk. Play it safe and keep it off the screen.

Check out an excellent guide for how to use mobile technology respectfully and safely -- and for advice on what to do when someone crosses a line -- here: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/talking-about-sexting