'Sexting' Spells Big Trouble for Teens

If you're one of those parents who are tired of hearing and seeing your kids constantly texting, there's a bigger worry.

Stafford County officials are warning about the new cell phone fad known as "Sexting"-- kids sending nude pictures of themselves to each other.

This techno- trend, which combines sex and cyberspace, is called Sexting. It has gained popularity among teens across the country.

Many are now being arrested for it.

In Stafford County alone, nearly two dozen cases are now being investigated.

Authorities say what happens in cyberspace doesn't stay in cyberspace and it's considered child porn! The warning is backed up by a new survey which shows many teens are actually "Sexting"--sending nude pictures via text message.

One college freshman just out of high school said, "As technology progress it becomes much more easier to do so."

Matt Zappala, a freshman, said, "When I was in high school a bunch of the cheerleaders from local high school altered pictures and it traveled around my prep school, and all the girls-- we could never look at them the same way again."

This survey by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy says one in five teens are doing it in a text message. Forty-eight percent of teens have received nude pictures of other teens.

Kristin Park says females are pressured by boys but says, "I would be afraid that someone could use it against me later on in life."

Another former high school student admitted, "This happened several times in my high school where the school got papered with photos."

Experts say a camera phone, computer, and bad judgment is the perfect storm to ruin a reputation.
Bill Albert with the national campaign to prevent teen and unplanned pregnancy said, "When they share this sexually suggestive content not surprisingly, they say they are expected to hook up and anything that leads to a casual hook up culture is a reason for concern."

Stafford County Sheriff's office says, it's not just alarming, it's a serious felony called possessing and distributing child porn.

It's so bad that Stafford County authorities have investigated 22 cases in the last two years.
Russell Bar, a freshman, said, "Basically it's like they are trying to get attention and trying to get attention from the opposite sex. I personally have received photos."

As shocking as it is, it's a reality of the new age.

Experts say parents should have a good old-fashioned talk before their kids press the send button again.

Albert suggested, "Help them understand this is not youthful fun and flirtatious activity it can have real long term consequences. Once you press send, you cannot get it back. "

In Virginia, anyone, including a juvenile, who is caught with nude pictures of kids under the age of 18 is charged with possessing child porn.

If you send those pictures to your friends you could be charge with distributing child porn.
Not only is it a felony, you could be labeled as a sex offender the rest of your life.