Abstract
In this case study, a parent discovers sext messages on her teenager’s cell phone. The parent (Julie) must consider how to approach this difficult conversation with her son (talking to her son about the dangers of sexting). After considering several potential avenues for reasons why her son is sexting, including several concerning self-blame, Julie turns to an online social media thread for parents of teens for online social support from other parents who are strangers to Julie personally, but seem to be connected through similar experiences that they have encountered with their own teenagers. This anonymous and mediated communication allows Julie to feel support that she often does not experience as a single parent. Therefore, this case study will help students consider and analyze aspects of parent–child communication about difficult topics. Specifically, students will better understand how mediated social support
through online forums can serve as a communicatively based social support system for parents of teenagers.