Teenage Sexting

Teenage 'Sexting' has Authorities, Parents seeing Red
(Nude self-images sent via cellphones by teenagers have authorities seeing red.)
By MARTHA IRVINE
Associated Press

http://www.miamiherald.com/509/story/888676.html

The article above was included in the Miami Herald with a storyline very similiar to the girl in NJ. I think that education is the key in stopping sexting. A major adult problem with sexting is trying to figure out if the children deserve to have pornography charges placed against them when many are ignorant to the reality of breaking the law, and sincerely see no problem with what they're doing. As a parent, I find it imperative to constantly speak with my teenager about the dangers that can result from participating in sexting, for even if it begins as pranks, or flirting, the legal ramifications can be lasting.

I believe that much of this behavior is rooted in either low self-esteem or a poor self-image because I don't think kids with high self-esteem would exploit themselves in this way. So as adults we must do more to educate kids on why certain images are inappropriate for public display when it comes to children, and find out why some children see no problem with sexting. In the school systems, we must be knowledgeable of social interacting technology available to children, and also make children aware of when privacy become public, not just on the internet but when using cell phones. When necessary, invite lawyers or law enforcement into schools to speak about the consequences of being caught engaging in sexting. And finally, I believe that those managing the cellular industry must do a better job of finding ways to prevent technology from becoming a weapon of mass destruction for our children.