Where to start...
So teen dc (mid teens and hugely naive and immature but also hugely stubborn and strong-willed) has posted something extremely inappropriate on social media. Obviously this could have spread like wildfire by now.
I only found out when I was informed by a friend. Said friend was very brief and factual. Not sure if judgemental or due to embarrassment but tone was clippy.
I messaged friend to say thanks for letting me know and to say I’d deal with dc later. Have not had a reply, so feeling embarrassed, stressed and awkward, despite not having done anything wrong.
Because I am a naturally shy person and don’t court attention I am really struggling with this and facing people who may have seen this. Dc is followed by a few of my friends and their dc’s.
We have discussed the reasons why this happened which boils down to low self esteem and trying to make themselves feel better. I have spelled out the possible ramifications of the post in explicit detail and who may have seen it.
It appears dc has been egged on by friends to make the post, which was an inappropriate photo.
Dc and I (and dh) have discussed and agreed consequences and actions.
I am left feeling shaky and extremely stressed. I have to face some of the adults and kids who will have seen it later and feel sick about it.
We are a normal family and I feel that our parenting will be judged and that people will be laughing behind my back. I’m a naturally anxious person and have worked so hard over the years to make myself be social and chatty in group settings and with fellow parents and have been doing well but I feel that this will set me back.
I am shocked at how naive dc has been despite us regularly discussing this sort of thing and potential repercussions.
Any advice welcome....