Teen Sexting Problems
Extend Beyond PW
In the wake of the recent sexting incident, the larger problem of inappropriate online activity is addressed.
December 2015
Becca Porter '19
As members of the PW community look to move past the recent “sexting” incident that has made headlines, teens in other schools across the country are currently dealing with similar issues. In fact, situations like the one we faced happens much more than people realize.
Sharon Giamporcaro from the Montgomery County DA’s office says, “Not a week goes by that the DA’s office doesn’t get a call regarding sexting. Not all rise to the level of charges, but an idea of how prevalent this is.” Giamporcaro also mentions this has been and is still going on in many other school districts near us and across the country. In Cañon City, Colorado, there has recently been, as officials are calling it, a ‘sexting ring.’ According to the New York Times, “George Welsh, the superintendent of the Canon City school system, said students at Canon City High School had been circulating 300 to 400 nude photographs including images of ‘certainly 100 different kids’ on their cell phones.” This not only included high schoolers but 8th graders from the middle school.
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It is a crime for a minor (under age 18) to share or possess any electronic communication containing a nude image of him or herself or any other person older than age 12 but younger than age 18. |
In light of our own situation -- and the prevalence of other such incidents -- some highlights from our school’s recent assembly on the pitfalls of “sexting” are worth mentioning. It is a crime for a minor (under age 18) to share or possess any electronic communication containing a nude image of him or herself or any other person older than age 12 but younger than age 18. The consequences are less serious than child pornography but can vary depending on the seriousness of the situation. That being said, punishments can be more severe if the pictures are sent out without consent. Depending on how the law was broken, punishments can either be summary offenses or, if the picture is of another person, a misdemeanor of 3rd or 2nd degree. If it is a summary offense you can be fined up to $300 with no more than 90 days in jail. Misdemeanors of 3rd degree are up to $5,000 and 1 year in jail, while misdemeanors of 2nd degree can be no more than $2,500 and 2 years in jail.
As you can see, teen sexting is a widespread issue with some serious consequences that has got to be dealt with.