Surveys
show that 39% of all teenagers either send or post sexually
suggestive messages and 20% of all teenagers have sent or posted
nude pics or videos of themselves. Sexting, is sending sexually
explicit or nude pictures to someone. Although they are sending
explicit pictures, this is increasingly becoming a hobby for teens.
Today
teens are coming together on one basis and that is sexting. According
to a survey done by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and
Unplanned Pregnancy, a little over half of teen girls say they sext
because of peer pressure from guys, and less than a fifth of teen
guys blamed teen girls.
Although
some may not see sexting as a big issue, it can sometimes lead to a
tragic outcome or death.
Jessica
Logan, a 18 yr old girl living in Cincinnati, sexted her
boyfriend a few "harmless" pictures and when they broke up,
he forwarded them to the girls in his phone. When Jessica's pictures
made their way around the school, everyone began calling her vicious
names and taunting her endlessly. She became very depressed and even
scared to attend school, so she committed suicide by hanging herself
in her room.
Logan's
case is an extreme case. Not many teens have committed suicide
because of sexting, so when her case came along it was very shocking.
When
caught receiving or sending out "sexts" charges can be
made. Some of the charges may be distributing child pornography,
solicitation etc. These are really serious charges and if
charged with a felony some teens have to register as sex offenders.
We
may say sexting has nothing to do with child pornography, but in
reality it does. While under the age of 18 we are considered minors,
and sending or posting nude pics of ourselves or other minors is
called distributing child pornography. Although we are breaking a law
we fail to realize how serious the matter is.
Others
may say, the authorities have nothing to do with it, it is up to the
parents to discipline us. The only reason the authorities get
involved is because we are minors and it is illegal to produce child
porn (under age sexting).
We
as teens are naive about the safety of our pictures. Sexting under
the age of 18 is a serious issue and it is illegal! There are other
ways for us to have fun without breaking laws. We should take this
issue more seriously as youth and should help spread the word and
dangers of sexting. This issue should be taken more seriously among
youth, and teens should help spread the risk and educate others on
sexting in our community.
- Abrille Dodd
