The term sexting is a combination of two words; “sex”
and “texting”. It is the transmission of nude or half nude pictures
and explicit messages being sent from cell phone to cell phone. This form of communication is used world wide mostly by teenagers
as a new method of “flirting”. According to surveys, 20 percent of teens are participating in sexting.
Due to peer pressure, many teens are taking inappropriate photos of them selves
and others. Many of these pictures are transmitted between boyfriend and
girlfriend, or someone that they are attracted to. Others feel it will enhance their social status.
Unfortunately, most teens do not view this as a problem. What they do
not realize is that their actions may have legal consequences. Pursuant to law, and depending on the circumstances, sexting can
involve criminal felony charges that may include the transmission and possession of child pornography, and may result
in the teen having to register as a sex offender. Although there is much debate surrounding the severity of these charges
regarding children and adolescents, the laws can be applied in their strictest form. Until these laws can be revised,
it is still a serious matter for those participating in this activity and to those it has already affected.
When a person chooses to send a picture of themselves to a “trusted”
friend, they have no way of knowing who that person might send it to or the repercussions it may cause if that person
were to misplace or lose their cell phone. There are many cases of photos being uploaded to the internet out of spite
after a break up, to play a cruel joke on someone out of jealousy, anger, or simply to ruin that person’s reputation;
causing emotional distress for the individual that has originally sent the picture.
Recently, there have been reports of
suicide due to a picture being distributed cell phone to cell phone around the campus of a high school, and on the internet.
Do not take pictures of yourself that
you would not want your friends, teachers, principals, parents, and possibly the whole world to see online. Most colleges
and employers check their applicant’s online activity and view websites. Discovering inappropriate
behavior that has been posted on the Internet may deter recruiters or potential employers from giving further consideration
to your application.
Think about the consequences; emotional distress, embarrassment,
harassment, missed educational and employment opportunities, and trouble with the law. Remember
you can not control who receives the picture after you have sent it and if you are the recipient of a picture, do not delete
the image. Do not forward any pictures you receive. You should tell your parents, a trusted adult, or school officials and
contact your local Police Department Immediately!
What may seem like fun at the moment; may cost you a successful
future!
A Message to Parents:
The best course of preventative action is to communicate with your children.
Talk to them about cell phone restrictions. You may want to check their messages
frequently or have them leave their cell phones with you overnight to avoid temptation. Be
honest about the seriousness of their actions. Explain how easy it is for anyone to forward pictures and upload
them to the Internet.
Once on the Internet, it can never be removed!
