By Stan Lehr
9/4/2009
Adolescents are causing personal and legal problems for themselves by sending sexually oriented text messages and emails.
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A report from the Indiana Youth Institute says 20 percent of the teens surveyed have engaged in the practice called "sexting", 17 percent have received a photo as part of a sext and 3 percent have forwarded one.
In some instances, these images are posted on web sites without the permission of the sender, resulting in teasing, taunting and humilitation. A girl in the Cincinnati area committed suicide last year after her ex-boyfriend sent her sext to other girls at her school.
"The trend is new, its lingo is new and it's creating new challenges for parents and schools, as well as police and prosecutors," said Bill Stanczykiewicz, President and CEO of the Institute.
A ban on sexting is being considered by the Indianapolis Public Schools. In Northeast Indiana, East Noble School Corporation has amended its student handbook to say students can be suspended or expelled for sending or even receiving disruptive or obscene content electronically.
Police and prosecutors must decide whether to prosecute sexters under child pornography laws. A conviction requires registration as a sex offender.
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