By Mark Theoharis. Since cell phones first saw widespread adoption in the s, they've become not just ever present, but have developed vastly expanded capabilities, such as the ability to take and instantly share photos. Some states have adopted laws that prescribe penalties aimed specifically at teenagers or adolescents who send such photos. These laws make the penalties for teen sexting less severe than if an adult would send similar photos to an under-age person. To get state specific details regarding sexting, jump ahead to teen sexting laws by state. Sexting laws are a relatively new phenomena in the law.
Accessibility links
Self expression
Updated August Washington passes new teen sexting law. On April 24, , Gov. We have published a new article with additional information about the new law. Skip to main content. EG that a minor can be charged with distribution of child pornography for taking and sending a picture of their intimate areas to another person. The court ruled that the statutory language allowed the charges, and deferred to the way the Legislature has written the law. Unfortunately, this means that, unless the Legislature amends the statute, any minor involved in sexting continues to be at risk of felony charges. However, as the ACLU has explained in a letter to prosecutors in Washington , prosecutors can and should exercise their discretion to avoid treating teen sexting incidents the same as adult exploitation of children. So many people are getting involve in the act. More than one in three young adults between the age of have sexted, and one in four teenagers have done the same.
Investigation and Possible Consequences
Raymond Arthur does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Young people have always explored their sexuality and shared these experiences with others. A lot of these young people will then go on to share these images with someone they know. These figures, suggest that sharing self-generated sexual images has become just another way for young people to express their sexual selves.
Our communication is mostly via texts, but he keeps me in the loop at work, and I do the same. And here's an excellent video on the importance of religious freedom. I had to tell her to stop communicating with my husband she was fired but he had urged her to "keep in touch!!.
