Sexting Photo Published by NBC ACTION NEWS

This is just the tip of the sexting iceburg!

We’ve been getting lots of responses on both sites to the Teen Sexting article. I thought I’d share just a couple of them with you and ask for your opinion.

I tried to pick a picture from Google Images that was as modest as possible and that had already been shown nationwide. There are far more graphic pictures listed there, just in case you thought this was just an innocent fad.

To me, it is interesting that the second commenter here listed themselves as Anonymous, with no way listed to reply to them directly.

What do you think?

Comment #1

JeffZ April 23rd, 2009 at 6:30 pm (Edit)

The problem with US “child” pornography laws is that they make no distinction between of young children being horrifically abused on film or in photographs and young adults as old as 17 engaged in completely normal healthy consensual sexual behavior that just happens to be filmed or photographed even by the participants for private use. Not that young adults under 18 should be allowed to be professional adult entertainment models, but a distinction needs to be made so that the US laws are brought in line with the generally accepted definition and in line with reality.

Response to Comment #1

Dear JeffZ,

I agree with you. We need to protect young people NOT make them felons.

I’m not in favor of legalizing “sexting”, primarily because it allows for such wide distribution and so many abuses.

Thank you for your comment,
Brennan

Comment #2

Anon April 29th, 2009 at 6:44 pm (Edit)

Honestly, this is bull s*** that they would consider this child pornography. I really don’t think it should be a misdemeanor either. Not legalized, per se, but definitely decriminalized. It’s not inherently bad…

But really, child porn possession is a crap charge anyways. It is basically the same as being arrested for having pictures of a murder on your phone.

Regardless of this, there are many other victims. I.e. school officials that investigate the claims of sexting can get fired, given the same felonies. This is unjust and criminal to say the least.

Response to Comment #2

Dear Anon,

While I agree this should not be a felony, we disagree that “it’s not inherently bad”.

I feel in my heart that this is an unfortunate “titillation” that can have devastating consequences, especially for a young man or woman who does not have the knowledge or experience to understand how widespread those images CAN become.

I guess I’m just too old but I was raised to believe that exposing one’s body and private parts to another person was something that should be done in a bedroom or, if a bedroom is not available, in the back seat of a car – with the windows steamed-up so no one could pruriently spy on you.

I definitely disagree that child porn possession is a “crap charge”. There is NO EXCUSE FOR IT, because child porn must be deliberately sought out, and is only done by those who are pedophiles or engaged in selling the material to pedophiles.

I DO AGREE with your final statement! School officials must be very judicious in how they handle ANY complaints/instances of a sexual nature because they are under severe scrutiny from the public.

As the spouse of a retired teacher, I’m aware that school officials are in a double-bind: They are hesitant to involve the police because of the harm they might needlessly do to a student. But investigating on their own can be seen as prurient interest and be legally liable.

As I say, it’s a double-bind.

Tell me please, how do you feel about this subject.

Thanks,
Brennan

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