Sexting is an ever increasing activity among adolescents. Today's New York Times features an article about an example where one girl circulated a semi-nude photo of herself to a boy she liked. The boy then forwarded it on to several others who then circulated to everyone they could think of with the word HO plastered on the front. This lead to the arrest of these 8th graders for child pornography, potential time in a juvenile detention center and registration as sexual offenders.
The prevalence of under-age sexting is unclear and can often depend on the culture of a particular school or circle of students. An internet poll conducted for the Associated Press and MTV by Knowledge Networks in September 2009 indicated that 24 percent of 14 to 17 year olds had been involved in some type of naked sexting,either by cellphone or on the Internet. A December 2009 telephone poll from the Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project found that 5 percent of 14-17 year olds had sent naked or nearly naked photos or videos by cellphone, and that 18 percent had recieved them.
Adults in positions of authority have been debating how to respond. Many school districts have banned sexting and now authorize principals to search cell phones. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 26 states have tried to pass some form of sexting legislation.
Many of the kids I see in my office have no idea that sexting is illegal ( it is a misdeamenor in Illinois) and don't understand the risk for widespread distribution or the impact on their reputations.
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