Future of Sexting

Daisy Alvarez

Comm 309

Sexting Blog

The Future of Sexting

            Sexting is a recent phenomenon that resulted from equipping people with the technology to take, send, and upload pictures instantly from personal mobile devices. The future of it is important to examine in order to understand the nature with which this trend will be dealt with, and the future developments of this type of social interaction. The future of sexting involves new laws to deal with children entwined in the legal issues of this current moral panic, the expansion of new technologies to monitor children’s cellular activities, and technological advancements to satisfy consumers demand for sexual interaction through technology. http://open.salon.com/blog/sexting_is_stupid/2009/06/02/sexting_safety_and_the_social_norm_are_you_normal

Currently, the legal problems dealing with sexting involve the distribution and possession of child pornography.  Children and teens are utilizing their mobile devices to share nude or semi-nude pictures to peers and significant others. An article in Newsweek reports about a case which exemplifies this dilemma of dealing with sexting. The case is from Greensburg, Pa. where three girls were charged for disseminating child pornography. The boys that had received the images of their girlfriends were also charged but for possession of child pornography.  

Children do not know or understand that their seemingly innocent acts can turn them into felons. The child pornography laws are intended to protect children and teens today but yet they are being used to prosecute them. These laws make the children have to register as sex offenders at times for one decade if not two. A sex offender would be someone who has been convicted of a crime involving sex including rape, molestation, sexual harassment, and pornography production or distribution.

In the future, officials will create new laws that reflect the severity of the crime. Minors will not be protected from the dangers of technology by a life-long criminal record. According to an article in the Washington Times, Vermont is conducting hearings in an attempt to decriminalize texting for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18. This is an example of the type of laws that will emerge in the near future.

The problem of how to punish teens that share explicit photos could be prevented if such photos were not transmitted. Preventing children from sending racy photos is in the near future with the development of new technologies. New surveillance gadgets are equipping parents with the tools needed to prevent sexting. For example, there is a new RADAR technology which gives parents the opportunity to scroll their children’s phonebooks and mark the contacts as suspicious. Once a contact is marked as suspicious, any messages sent and received from that contact will be forwarded to the parent. http://www.globalethics.org/newsline/2009/04/20/sexting-2/

Another technological program for parents is TextGaurd. TextGuard gives the parents the power to block texts and to remotely control the mobile device. The parental monitoring equipment allows parents to block previously specified problematic lingo, block calls, block certain URL’s, and lock the phone during hours during which children should be studying. http://www.prlog.org/10218048-new-way-to-stop-your-child-from-sexting-on-their-mobile-phones.html

This type of technology is going to be used by the masses in the near future to contain the problems of sexting. If children know parents are aware of all the messages they are transmitting, then they would be less risqué. 

Sexting caught society by surprise. People didn’t expect that the technology of mobile phones would be used to send sexual pictures. Technological companies are always updating their devices and equipping them with better capabilities. So, what new types of threats will result in response to such technological advancements? Sexcasting. Sexcasting could be an even bigger issue than sexting. Sextcasting is “the process by which an individual(s) performs actions of a risqué or sexually explicit nature via a (live) webcam (or webcast), digital (image or video) camera, or other form of digital technology and sends and/or saves the content of their actions using digital technologies (i.e. a computer, camera card, email, social website, message board, etc).” http://community.mtv.com/Post/Sexting-and-SextCasting-Could-Make-You-an-Ignorant-Pornographer/0D3FCFFFF01B2BED0000800BA8669?ref_title=SEXTING+IS+STUPID&ref_url=http%3a%2f%2fcommunity.mtv.com%2fprofile%2fSEXTINGISSTUPID%2fMyFeed.aspx&ref_ucid=D0BEB20101B2BED0000101B2BED0

The video recording capabilities of phones and webcams are the only tools needed to create sexcasts. Whether the videos are intended for private sharing or public sharing, the possible harm is greater than that of sexting.

Sexting has demonstrated that technology is making its way into even more personal aspects of our life. Technology is intended to make our lives easier, make us an advanced society, and to create a global community. Thanks to technological advancements, we have a greater understanding of events all over the world. Without a doubt, it was only a matter of time until technology was utilized with sexual intent.

Cell phones and computers are being used to carry out sexual acts without the need of actual human contact. Teenagers are getting to know each other sexually without having to have any human contact. So what is next, if people can perform sexual acts without having to be in the same room? People’s use of technology for sexual satisfaction is being manifested in Sexbots.

Perhaps sexbots are where sexting and sexcasting are leading us to. They provide what sexting and sexcasting already do, sexual interaction without messy human interaction. http://www.shapingyouth.org/?p=10049

Traditional private and public boundaries have been altered with the proliferation of cell phones and other technology. The framework of society has been redefined which has lead to changes in interpersonal relationships. But just as there are drawbacks and risks with new technologies, the same technology can also be utilized to monitor possible harmful side effects.

References

Fortunati, L. (2002). The Mobile Phone: Towards New Categories and Social Relations. Information, Communication and Society, 5(4), 515-16. Retrieved March 10, 2010, from the Academic Search Premier database.

Hicks, M. (2009, April 15). ‘Sexting’ uncool, but also wrong. The Washington Times, p. A16. Retrieved March 9, 2010, from the Academic Search Premier database.

Lithwick, D. (2009, February 23). Teens, Nude Photos and the Law. Newsweek, 153. Retrieved March 10, 2010, from the Academic Search Premier database.

Sexting:The Negative Effects on Relationships

Introduction

Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between mobile phones. The exchange of these images through digital media allows sharing to become instantaneous to the masses. With the rise of sexting within schools and work environments, it has caused several problems. It has resulted in damaging the careers and reputations of the individuals, as well as, working, academic, and romantic relationships.  Sexting may seem like a simple text message exchanged between two people, however, once an image is in digital form its capable of being forwarded and shared with an entire community, school or university. A message that was meant for private eyes can be seen by fellow students, coworkers, colleagues. More recently sexting isn’t just an innocent flirting but an issue of infidently.

 The Effects of Sexting on Relationships:

Most common sexting usually occurs between a couple that is dating or romantically involved. However, sexting has become a new form of cheating.

Although it doesn’t involve physical contact the emotional impact on the relationship can be equally as damaging. Infidelity once consisted of suspicious perfume and late night work “meetings” however, sexting has made cheating more accessable, sometimes from a individual’s own couch.

According to Paula Hall, a psychotherapist, “The defence is that it involves nothing sexual not even touching. But there’s a deceit and a breach of trust. The participants are playing with fire.'” 

In addition, sexting isn’t just for teens. More recently adults have participated in sexting as a means to escape their marriage or relationships. Sexting provides an outlet, escape, or adventure for the indivdual. 

In addition, sexting not only affects romantic relationships but working and social relationships. In Pennsylvania, six high school students are facing child pornography charges after three teenage girls allegedly took nude or semi-nude photos of themselves and shared them with male classmates via their phones.

Sexting and the Negative Effects on Professional Relationships:

There are several cases where pictures were exchanged resulting in child pornography charges.

These charges result in the individual having to register as a sex offender in the community and limiting the number of jobs they can apply for and places they can live.

For many of us our carreers and jobs are an intracrate part of our lives. We go through great lengths to acheive our dream job. Years of schooling, training and prepartaion goes into our careers.

Unforutaunately, many of those endavors can be ruined with in an instant or in this case a ‘sext’ message.  Although we try to keep our private lives, private, what we do off the clock and out of the office does effect our careers. In additon, a mistake made 15 years old can haunt someone for the rest of their lives.

 In many cases students and teens are charged with child pornography charges. These charges lead to registering as sexual offender. This follows someone for the rest of their lives and affect where the can work and where they can live. Lawsuits involving sexting span across the board and sometimes involve children as young as 15.

In addtion, empolers are becoming more savvy to sexting. They are checking company emails, computers, and cell phones to be aware of what their empolyers are doing on the clock . There are several cases of sexual harassment being filed against empoluers and empolyees for conducting inapproraite sexual behavior on company time.

Sexting and your Academic Career:

The majority of those texting are highschool and college aged kids. Many of which are attending colleges and universities. We create social networks, lives and friends all which can be destroyed instantaneously. In the case of Jessie Logan the taunting she received after allegedly sending a nude photo to her boyfriend led to her committing suicide.

Addtional Links to learn more about Sexting:

Buzzfeed

Safe Sexting

Teens and Sexting

Connect Safely 

A Thin Line

References:

Ash, Blue. "Parents File Lawsuit Over Daughter's Sexting Incident." Cincinnati News . N.p., 12 May
     2009. Web. 18 Mar. 2010. http://www.wlwt.com/news/19439830/detail.html.
Betts, Hannah. "'Sexting': the new infidelity? ." Telegraph. N.p., Feb. 2010. Web. 13 Mar. 2010.
     <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/relationships/7271420/Sexting-the-new-infidelity.html>.
Brunker, Mike, ed. "‘Sexting’ surprise: Teens face child porn charges." MSNBC. N.p., 15 Jan. 2009.
     Web. 18 Mar. 2010. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28679588/.

Muscari, Mary E. "Sexting: New Technology, Old Problem." MedScape Today. N.p., 1 May 2009. Web. 15
     Mar. 2010. < http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/702078>.
Pounds, Marcia Heroux. "Personal devices pose new sexual harassment issues at work."      http://www.sun-sentinel.com. N.p., 19 Aug. 2009. Web. 15 Mar. 2010.      <http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-texting-harassment-081909,0,2384849.column&gt;.

		
	
							

Sexting: Parents Role

High school students across America are getting into trouble with law enforcement, school administrators and their parents.  The blame lies with sexting, a new trend, that allows many people to send sexually explicit, messages and photos electronically.

Sexting Lawsuits

In March of 2009, parents of three teenage girls in Pennsylvania, filed a lawsuit against the Wyoming County district attorney.   Originally, the girls were charged with child pornography but if they attended counseling their charges would be dismissed.  The parents of these teenagers felt their sentence was too harsh and sought assistance from American Civil Liberties Union.  The lawsuit was based on the violation of their daughters First Amendment Rights and “unwarranted” child pornography charges.

Two months later, parents of 12 teenage boys in the middle of sexting embarrassment issue, threatened to file a lawsuit against police discretion.  Police heard rumors of child pornography that lead them to a group of teenage boys ages 14-16.  The boys had a naked photo of a girl that they shared with their peers. Their victim was emotionally disturbed when she realized the picture she had sent to one of the boys was circling around school. Parents of sexting victims are saddened by the situation.

Parental Informants

Outside of the courtroom parent’s role is still evident.  In some cases, parents lead law enforcers and school administrations to sexting violators.   Most parent informants are investigating their daughter’s text and email messages, when they find sexual explicit pictures of males.  These discoveries lead a number of parents with one choice, to turn in sexting ‘violator ‘ to academic or law enforcement authorities.

Prevention

Parents have hope with the sexting crisis.  Online websites, articles, and events can inform today’s parents on prevention tools. Among the many steps parents can take, is to first inform their teens on the dangers and consequences of sexting. Repercussions include but not limited to: pictures ending up on the Internet, child future ruined, reputation destroyed, and felony charges.  When parents fully grasp these consequences they can rely them to their children, to prevent future sexting problems.

Other necessary steps needed is: setting expectations, familiarizing with technology, knowing texting acronyms, supervising, and monitoring.  Today’s parents need to have frequent dialogues with their children on technology expectations.  If teenagers do not know their responsibilities, they are more likely to disappoint their parents.  Setting ground rules is crucial, but it’s not enough.  Parents have to familiarize themselves with current technology and trends.  Their knowledge with technology can assist their efforts in keeping track with their teens. After using and getting familiar with email, texting, IMing, etc, it is key to know the texting acronyms.  Knowledge of texting acronyms, will allow parents to understand a “coded” conversation. Some parents believe parental control software is enough to keep their children on the “right” websites.  This had been proven to be wrong and in some cases, teens go past software regulations.  Software protection isn’t bad but it’s not enough.  Parents must monitor their children internet activity.

Preying on Kids

A sexting campaign started in May 2009 urges parents to “prey” in their children lives.  In the past, it had been widely encourage for parents to give their children space and privacy.  Now State Government campaigns believe this is no longer relevant and parents need to investigate electronic communication activities. Many justify these actions as being different from reading a child’s diary.  A diary is intended to be private, while electronic communication tools are not.
This campaign is a direct result of the large number of female teens sending explicit pictures to their boyfriends.  Pictures sent sometimes don’t just stop to the receivers but can be sent to friends and placed online.  The main focus of the campaign, is to spread awareness of the lifetime consequences and to reduce the number of participants.

References:

(2009, Month. Day ). In Sexting-Parents. Retrieved Mar. 1, 2010, from  http://www.teenluresprevention.com

Carty, L. (2008, May 3 ). Parents get sext message; Mums and dads told prying will protect teenage innocence    EXCLUSIVE. The Sun Herald.

Garflnkle, S. (2008, Dec 10 ). Sexting + Texting=Sexting. The Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2008/12/sexting.html

Garret, R.. (2010, Feb. 10 ). In Is Your Child Sexting? What Parents Need to Know. Retrieved Month. Day, Year, from http://www.education.com/magazine/article/child-sexting-parents/?page=2

Hicks, M. (2009, Apr 15 ). ‘Sexting’ uncool, but also wrong. The Washington Times. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2008/12/sexting.html

Hill, J.. (2009, May 5). Deal with ‘sexting,’ XXXtra discretion is advised. USA Today. from LexisNexis Academic

Koch, W. (2009, Mar 12 ). More teens caught up in ‘sexting’. USA Today

Sexting and Mobile Phone Companies

Sexting and Mobile Phone Companies

The creation of the internet has forever changed the way we communicate and gather information. Teenagers, whether it is in 2010 or 1910, have always found methods to pass along messages to each other with adults and/or parents knowing about it; however the combination of technology and the internet have made situation much more complicated.

“Sexting” became a part of our vocabulary in 2005 and as taken place more frequently since then. Although there are now several mediums through which “sexting” can take place, cell phones were where the act originated and the medium that continues to be the most popular. Which bring me to my question and purpose of my blog: What are cell phone companies doing to protect individuals from the consequences of sexting? And how do these companies actually feel about sexting?

LG is one of many companies that produce cell phones. They are mostly partnered with Verizon wireless, one of the United States BIG MEDIA companies. LG turned to James Lipton — of Inside the Actors Studio fame — to remedy the problem via their Give it a Ponder campaign. The result is a hilarious, if not slightly creepy, video that is likely to have absolutely no effect on today’s youth, who have no idea who Lipton is.

Even though the videos are corny and the way they are sending the message is cheesy, they are getting to the very important parts of the argument:one message meant to be available to one person can easily become available to anyone who is looking. The digital realm and the internet make the message you send permanently available. There is no such thing as delete online. Especially when there are websites such as twitter and facebook; both social media websites make passing the word along very simple.

The Give It a Ponder Campaign was launched in December 2009 as a great PR tactic to make a statement as to which side they are on in the middle of this heated debate.

In another tactic to help parents manage the issue of sexting, LG has launch a website strictly dedicated to decoding teen text messages and their true meaning called the DTXTR.
This was a pretty good idea on LG’s part. It still makes their side clear, but at the same time offers a solution to dealing with the problem while it is still a problem.

There are different cell phone distributors and makers that feel quite differently about the situation.

Motorola is another large company in the cellular world. In this years Super Bowl, a commercial aired advertising a new cell phone that was coming out on Verizons network. The commercial starred Megan Fox, an attractive, sensual female celebrity. This video stirred the waters once again when it came to the issue of sexting because it promoted the idea as opposed to making a stand against it. The commercial also has implications that Verizon is not too concerned about the subject either.

Although statistics show that sexting is clearly apparent in the United States, it has also become an international issue. Survelliance and technology are already a problem in China. China Mobile, the nations largest cell phone company, is working with the Chinese government to deal with sending inappropriate messages via cell phone. All cell phones manufactured by the company automatically are installed with a chip. This chip picks up on specific words and reports them to the nearest police station, if pursued, the individual could potentially be detained for up to 10 days.

I found this article to be especially interesting. Chinese citizens, compared to Americans, are already greatly pressured to conform…I wonder how many laws will be enforced upon them to minimize their freedom of speech…through any medium.

Although I could find no evidence that specific cell phone companies are doing something directly to tackle this issue, I did find evidence that they are supporting the majority of the non profit organizations that are.

Brick house security is a virtual security company on the east coast that has began to tackle the issue of sexting. They have created a device which enables parent to view their children’s text messaging trends, even the messages they think they have deleted. This device allows parents to replace the cell phones sim card with a usb card, which connects to a computer, allowing the parents to see everything. Although this is a good method to keep track of what teenagers are saying on their phone, it brings up two larger issue: Is this a clear invasion of privacy on the parents part? and is investigating the situation by this method a way for the parents to avoid the real issue? The real issue being: Should the traditional “sex talk” between parent and child be altered to include the dangers of digital media? Parents need to stop blaming cell phone companies and encourage personal responsibility and respect.

The battle continues….

Sexting:Psychological Effects

Introduction:
      There have been news stories ranging from child pornography charges to a student, Jesse Logan, committing suicide after a picture she sexted her boyfriend was sent around her high school. Well, it is definitely a problem if you are caught with nude photos of your boyfriend or girlfriend and they are under 18.  It is also a problem if your picture is passed around the entire high school by an ex-boy or girlfriend looking for revenge.
     Aside from the legal ramifications those who have engaged in this activity very often suffer psychological trauma, especially if the picture gets into unwanted hands or becomes public. These psychological effects range from feelings of regret to depression and even to self harm and suicide.

Facts:

1. According to The Center on Media and Child Health , one study found 37 percent of teens surveyed became addicted to their phones. Heavy use is also linked to depression, anxiety and an impaired ability to express emotions.
2. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that 20 percent of teens have participated in “sexting,” the sending of inappropriate or explicit texts or pictures.
3. The older teenagers tended to participate in sexting more than younger ones.
4. Four percent of 12-year-olds said they sent sexually suggestive images through text message compared to 8 percent of 17-year-olds, who said they sent nude or partially nude photos.
5. One in five teens have used their cell phones or computers to send nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves to someone, usually a girlfriend or boyfriend, and 40 percent of teen girls and boys have sent or posted sexually suggestive messages, according to a new study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com.
6. According to urbandictionary.com, teens don’t even call it “sexting.”  Apparently that particular term was coined by the media in response to a school principal finding explicit texts/pictures on his students’ phones. 

Cultural Effects: Socialization, Status, and Addiction

     The psychological effect on victims can be severe, and participating children may be subject to child pornography laws and jail time. Corrine Lee, eHow Contributing Writer, believed there are three factors that impact children and teenagers which affects them in cultural aspects such as the following: socialization, status, and addiction.

1. Socialization: Texting and social media outlets are changing the way kids socialize which is causing them to struggle as they try to develop their identities.
2. Status: Due to the peer pressures of fitting in and being popular, children feel the need of owning a cell phone which affects their status.
3. Addiction:  Children are addicted to their cell phone and is said that with heavy use of their cell phones can link children to depression, anxiety, and the inabilities to express their emotions.

Psychological Effects:

     

      Teenagers believe sexting is something that is extremely harmless. However, teenagers need to realize and consider all the factors that correlate their actions. Some serve psychological effects that results from sexting are the following but not limited to:

1. Shame
2. Humiliation
3. Social isolation
4. Depression
5. Cyber-bullying
6. Cyber stalking
7. Felony criminal charges
8. Sex-offender registration
9. Imprisonment
10. Suicide
11. Anxiety
12. Impaired ability to express emotions

Cases: Sexting Consequences

     Teens sending risqué photos of themselves to friends using cell phones, called “sexting,” has parents and school officials up in arms over the growing trend. The seemingly innocent, but potentially dangerous, practice has resulted in a handful of cases nationwide of teens being charged with child pornography and placed on sex offender lists.

1. Social Network Investigation:  A girl, from New Jersey, posted about 30 “explicit nude” pictures of herself to the social network, media reports indicate. Investigators say she said she uploaded them so her boyfriend could see them.
2. Teenage Girl Arrested Over Nude Self-Pics on MySpace:  A 14-year-old girl is facing child porn-related charges over a series of nude self-photographs found on her MySpace profile. The teen was arrested and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
3. Sexting Lands Teen on Sex Offender List:  Philip Alpert is a registered sex offender as a result of sending a nude photograph of his 16-year-old girlfriend. The couple has been dating for over two years. 
4. 18-year-old Thrown Out of College and is Labeled a Sex Offender: 18-year-old from Florida e-mailed nude photos of his ex-girlfriend to 70 people. It got him five years probation, thrown out of college, and labeled a sex offender until he turns 43.
5. Underage “sex-ting” is the act of sharing nude or partially nude photos via cell phone text message. As Harry Smith reports, few realize they are breaking the law.

Article’s Perspective: Sexting and the First Amendment  

     This is an article was written by John A. Humback, which he presented cases about teenagers and their reasoning  be hide their sexual behavior with sexting. This article presents numerous cases that lead teenagers to encounter great psychological effects due to their decisions t sext.  

Conclusion:

     In today’s society, most teens view sexting an innocent practice but the results can have present negative psychological effects. A single nude picture can destroy reputations, social lives, and even future careers. Many teens feel shameful regret and embarrassment once they realize the mistake they made to sext. This decision can lead to negative outcomes and furthermore cause to regret their judgment. Teens should think twice before clicking the Send bottom.

References:

Jesse logan. (3, 6 2009). Retrieved from http://1stnews.org/404/jesse-logan/

“Sexting” shockingly common among teens. (2009, January 15). Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/15/national/main4723161

Durrani, A. (2009, April 29). ”Sexting” growing trend among teens. Retrieved from http://public.getlegal.com/articles/sexting

Feyerick, D. (2009, April 8). ‘Sexting’ lands teen on sex offender list. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/04/07/sexting.busts/index.html?eref=rss_mostpopular

Humbach, J. (2009). “Sexting” and the first amendment (Adobe Digital Editions version ), Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.pace.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1594&context=lawfaculty

Lee, C. (2009, October 14). The Cultural effect of cell phones on kids. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5777444_cultural-effect-cell-phones-kids.html

Rodriguez, J. (2009, March 27). Teenage girl arrested over nude self-pics on myspace. Retrieved from http://www.inquisitr.com/20777/teenage-girl-arrested-over-nude-self-pics-on-myspace/

Smith, H. (2009, January 15). Dangers of teen ‘sex-ting’. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4723169n&tag=related;photovideo

Webb, C. (2009, May 14). Sexting. Retrieved from http://www.healthleader.uthouston.edu/archive/Children_Teens/2009/sexting-0514.htm

Sexting and Teens

Teen Sexting

Percent of teens that participate in “sexting”

 Although sexting has become very prominent, it seems that teens are part taking in these actions. According to a study by Pew Research Center’s Internet & American life project, found that 15 percent of cell phone owners are between the ages of 12 and 17 and have sent or received nude photos. 4 percent admit to sending the actual photos themselves. Another study that was done by associated press found that the numbers have increased. About a third of young people, ages 14 to 24 filled out a survey and said they had received email and/or texts that contained inappropriate images and words. About 1 in 10 said that he or she have actually shared a naked picture of themselves electronically. (Paulson, 2009)

 The Pew study found that older teens were more likely to participate in sexting. “ 4 percent of 12 year olds reported sending sexually suggestive images by text message, while 8 percent of 17 year olds reported texting nude or partially nude photos.” Pew study suggests that teens that pay their own cell phone bills were more likely to send nude photos vs. the teens that have cell phones that their parents pay for. Also, teens who have parents that actually go through and check their phones are less likely to send nude photos because of the fear of their parents finding the messages. (CNN Tech)

What are the effects?

On top of being harassed and humiliated as a result of having nude pictures, Paulson stated that there have been two teens that have committed suicide due to the “sexting” that the teens were involved with. So not only is sexting becoming a overall problem, it is actually endangering our youth. Sexting is now carrying a suicide rate, which can be scary for any parent. Senior research specialists at Pew says “ the factors driving it- teenagers wrestling with sexuality and relationships and often using poor judgment- have been around for longer than cell phones or the internet. But when those factors are combined with the far reach and permanence of today’s technology, it can be dangerous.” (Paulson, 2009)

What are the outcomes?

With “Sexting” as a new trend for teenagers, a few repercussions have developed. Although teens intend these nude photos for a boyfriend or girlfriend, it quite often becomes shared with more than just that. What teens do not realize, is that these actions now come with consequences. According to ABC News, authorities arrested 4 middle school kids in Alabama for exchanging nude photos of themselves. Also, a 16 year old boy from New York is now facing up to 7 years in prison for sharing nude pictures of his girlfriend. These charges can vary between misdemeanors to felonies that require prison time. Teens have also been charged with child pornography. USA Today’s Wendy Koch stated “ police have investigated more than two dozen teens in at least six states this year for sending nude images of themselves in cellphone text messages, which can bring a charge of distributing child pornography. Authorities typically are notified by parents or schools about so-called “sexting”.”

What can we do to prevent teens from engaging in sexting?

Parents are encouraged to talk to their teens about sexting and how it is a crime to send/share nude photos. Parents also need to explain the consequences of sexting and what the teen could be facing if caught. Parents need to explain the dangers and how their picture could permanently be in cyberspaces and can always come back to the teen when we they become an adult. Teens need to realize that having obscene pictures can jeopardize a potential job or school acceptance if recovered. For more information on how to talk to your teen. Please visit www.connectsafely.org

                                                                                                                    Works Cited

 Paulson, A. (2009). Sexting: at least 15 percent of teens take part. Christian Science Monitor. 08827729.

ABC NEWS/ Technology: “Sexting’ teens can go too far http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/WorldNews/story?id=6456834&page=1

 CNN Tech: Survey: 15 percent of teens get sexual text messages http://www.cnn.com/2009TECH/12/15/pew.sexting.survey/index.html

USA TODAY: Teens caught “sexting” face porn charges http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2009-03-11-sexting_N.htm