Sexting

[Brian K Beckett]

So with all of the talk about teens sending and recieving not so appropriate text messages with their phones, and the number of states trying to reduce the charges from felonies to misdomeners I was wondering what everyones thought were about this.



My personal opinion on this is that it is no different then the days when i was a teen and stashed away an adult magazine, its basically the same form of adolesent behavier with the new technoligy twist. But I see where sexting can be a damaging thing to a teen that dont know any better and dont have the mental judgement developed to posses the legal right to own such a device.



What do you think???

[Bengals_Mama]

I think that the laws on this need to be changed. Right now they are charged as a Sex Offender, and that's just not right. Now if it's a grown man receiving photos of young girls then yes he needs to be charged as one. I think they should be banned from having a cell phone until 18. I don't think it's that serious of an offense to be charged with anything, but they would probably have to be charged with a misdemeanor to legally keep them from having a cellphone. Plus when they are 18 the misdemeanor will be dropped from their record. Parents also need to pay more attention to what their kids are doing these days, it's not like it used to be. They have way too many options when it comes to keeping things from their parents, so you have to keep up with the times.

[kdown]

I'm wonder what I would have done with a cell phone at 15 or 16 years old......Hhmmmmm

[kcredden]

Although I like an active pedo as much as everyone else does (note sarcasm), I must admit, that the U.S. is on a Salem witch hunt for pedos. I wouldn't have a problem putting a real pedo away for life, and some medical procedure done to them if it's true they was fooling with a child. But as Bengals Momma, and Brian said; It's typical naughty teen behavior, between teens.

The 3 biggest dangers I see with this is;
a) Putting them on a sex offender registry for something they did in their teen years, will affect them all their lives. But:
b) things do not dissipear on the interweb. I can find things I posted 15 or more years ago in some areas.
c) Even worse, what if some nutjob gets ahold of those photos, and uses them for illegal purposes? Kidnapping? Murder? Sexual abuses? Blackmail?

So think of this, teens. Do you want an employer see you stone drunk, with a a 'party on' tee shirt, on the net in 10 - 15 - 20 years from now? :eek: Companies are scoring the net, and trying to find every tiny bit of dirt on new employees. At times I wonder how are they going to find good employees eventually? Everyone screws up once in awhile! :whistle:(Just wait till some of this generation becomes heads of companies, or politicians. Wooo check out Senator whathisname at this URL! )

For punishment, I have no problems removing their cell phone until they're 21, and IF they need to be punished by the authorities, even a sex-offender register should be erased by 18 or 21. The idea they must be on it forever, is insane. Would you like to be punished for smoking 1 joint all your life? Or Trespassing? Or some other crime?

The idea too, that a teen giving nude pics of themselves to another teen is shocking, but lets put this thing in perspective, folks.

- Kc

I think that the laws on this need to be changed. Right now they are charged as a Sex Offender, and that's just not right. Now if it's a grown man receiving photos of young girls then yes he needs to be charged as one. I think they should be banned from having a cell phone until 18. I don't think it's that serious of an offense to be charged with anything, but they would probably have to be charged with a misdemeanor to legally keep them from having a cellphone. Plus when they are 18 the misdemeanor will be dropped from their record. Parents also need to pay more attention to what their kids are doing these days, it's not like it used to be. They have way too many options when it comes to keeping things from their parents, so you have to keep up with the times.

[happyfan]

Remember when Vanessa Williams won Miss America then had to give it up because of the nude pics? This is why you have to think out what you do regardless of what it is. I would hate to see a future prez or whatever have great, brilliant ideas waste it away all because their friends were doing this and they wanted to "fit in". But possibly getting labeled a sex offender may begin to deter the kids in todays world from doing this. Remember the old saying....you have to crack a few eggs to make an omelot.

[Brian K Beckett]

Anyone ever seen the movie "Stand by Me" with the kids back in the 40s 50s go on a journey thru the woods?

I remember a part in the movie about the kids sitting around talking about certain features on cartoon charictures! I know this was a movie and not reality!

Kdown is this what you did when you was a kid? LOL

[Flame]

Got a question? Are teens gonna be charged for saying these sexual words? As long as I can remember teens have said things of a sexual nature. But we were not charged with a crime. As long as we are not talking about adults to teens.

[lauralee]

My opinion is take away their cell phones. The ones who sent the pics and the ones who recieved them and passed them on. I can't see the need for children to have cell phones in the first place. Parents have to be smarter than the kids and the only way to do that is to keep up. We're never going to be ahead of them but we can stay close. There is way to much meaness in this world today and technology is giving the bad guys easy ways to do what they want. Protect are children no matter how many hours we have search online and cellphones. I don't believe the children should have charges pressed against them, just some good ole common sense taught to them.

[happyfan]

There is two types of "sexting" being used: the ones that use words that alot of us used or still do and the situation in Cincy, I believe ,where a young lady (under 18 BTW) sent nude pics of herself to a male "friend" who then fowarded it to nearly everyone at the school. She unfortunately commited suicide over the ordeal. Because she was under 18, it is still a form of child pornagraphy. The easiest solution would be for parents to remove cell phones from their kids but that still leaves places like myspace, facebook, etc. for it to show up on. The only thing a parent can hope for now is they have put enough morals in their kids to prevent them from doing anything stupid.

[Pierced Bliss]

If the parents feel the need for their underage children to have cell phones, I would simply remove text from it. That would prevent them from sending the pictures to anyone, but if they are really adamant about sending nudes to their buddies, they will find a way around it.

I don't feel these "kids" should be labled sex offenders for 25 plus years for something like this. Granted the girl was under age, but she took the picture and sent it, they looked at it. No different IMO than looking at a Playboy.

Parents really need to be involved more in their childrens lives and not just let modern technology babysit them.

[Biggun]

If the parents feel the need for their underage children to have cell phones, I would simply remove text from it. That would prevent them from sending the pictures to anyone, but if they are really adamant about sending nudes to their buddies, they will find a way around it.

I don't feel these "kids" should be labled sex offenders for 25 plus years for something like this. Granted the girl was under age, but she took the picture and sent it, they looked at it. No different IMO than looking at a Playboy.

Parents really need to be involved more in their childrens lives and not just let modern technology babysit them.

Couldn't agree with you more. Seems parents of today are too busy sometimes for their kids. And that is a shame. Know one lady who drives 140 miles round trip everyday for minimum wage, just to get away from her kids. Such a shame. Some good old fashioned punishment would go along way to stem this flow of wickedness.

[mark]

.............kids don't need cell phones anyway. I know...I know, I hear from the parents
"I wanna know where my kids are all the time".

Are you kidding yourselves?
Sorry, parents, a lot of the kids will tell you what you want to hear...and... that may not be the truth!

If they are sexting, can you believe anything else they say? .........see ya mark

[JRbickley]

Hypocrites, hypocrites, hypocrites. Hollier than thou. Your kids won't tell you nothin and you'll pretend their not doing it. Can we be this simple??? Take their phone, problem solved, ya right....

[wideglide]

i sure didnt need a cell phone to STAY in trouble when i was that age --there was alot of time when i was HUMILIATED because of the things i had done but i didnt kill myself

[kdown]

Spare the rod, spoil the child

[Biggun]

Spare the rod, spoil the child

I couldn't agree with you more Ken. But in today's world , because of a bunch of whiney, crybaby parents, it's impossible to discipline your child as you see fit. Ya know, if you give them a spanking, you'll go to jail. Give me a break!!!!!!

[kdown]

Ya know, if you give them a spanking, you'll go to jail. Give me a break!!!!!!

If that had happened in the 60s I would just now be getting out of jail

[Flame]

I always told mine I would bust their backside and call 911 for them.

[Pierced Bliss]

I'm guilty of sparing the rod. I never spanked my daughters when they were little and they both have turned into wonderful and beautiful young adults. My oldest graduates next month from College, and then will return for her teaching degree and she works to support herself. My youngest is employed as a stylist at the Smart Style in West Union and supports herself, so I can't say that me giving them a spanking when they "needed" it instead of the time out would have benefited them more. They were by no means perfect children either, I just opted to place them in a time out and take away privileges, but then again I was very involved in what they did and who they were with. I didn't have the television or the computer babysitting them. I did that myself.

I think that's what is lacking in this day and age...parental involvement. I have a great respect for the single mother working to bootay off to provide for her children and that can keep them in check to boot.

[littlelee]

This is just another case of the government stepping in because of irresponsible parenting. If parents would be the parent instead of trying so hard to be their child's friend, the government wouldn't have to do anything about this situation.

I'll tell you one thing, against the law or not, if I catch my daughter (who just got her first cell phone) doing something like this, not only will the cell phone be taken away, but so will her IPod, DS, computer time, tv time, and any other privilege I can think of; even some she doesn't have yet...lol. She will also be doing a lot of standing for a while.

This is just another example of why our country is in the shape it's in...irresponsible parenting. And just think, these kids will one day be leading our country.

[Pierced Bliss]

This is just another case of the government stepping in because of irresponsible parenting. If parents would be the parent instead of trying so hard to be their child's friend, the government wouldn't have to do anything about this situation.

I'll tell you one thing, against the law or not, if I catch my daughter (who just got her first cell phone) doing something like this, not only will the cell phone be taken away, but so will her IPod, DS, computer time, tv time, and any other privilege I can think of; even some she doesn't have yet...lol. She will also be doing a lot of standing for a while.

This is just another example of why our country is in the shape it's in...irresponsible parenting. And just think, these kids will one day be leading our country.

Very true. It seems parents are more concerned with being cool in their childrens eyes to even realize the damage they are doing. It's nice to be the "cool" parent but you also need to know when do draw that line.

LoL I have to agree with you about taking away everything and then some if I caught my daughter doing something like that. Of course they now are adults and pay for their own phones but I would still stress my disappointment in them because they are so much better than that. IMO of course.

[JRbickley]

It depends on the child. Some may only need an "I'am ashamed of you" to get the point across while others may need a good swift kick in the butt from time to time. There's no one right method. Use the right one or one's for you child because the wrong discipline can be worse than no discipline and I believe a good threat of a wippin can be much more affective than the actual wippin unless you willing to phyically hurt your child, especially in teenage kids. You maybe able to beat a teenager into submittion, but you can't beat them to respect you. JMO

[codysmom]

oh good grief....if it isn't one thing it is another! like this hasn't gone on, for years, on the internet web cams etc. etc. and what about that American Pie movie. Someone mentioned "Stand by Me" I don't remember anything about sex in that movie, just looking for a dead body...which is pretty sick too. ok just had to share my two cents.

[Melinda]

Maybe this has gone on for years. That's true. But I see no point in allowing a child unlimited access to a cell phone, internet, or any form of technology for that matter. No matter how responsible you think your child is, they are still a child and will make mistakes. No sense in those mistakes being publicized via the internet, cell phone, etc. and forever haunting your child through their life. JMO

[RedheadTK]

Not all of us teens do such bad things as of that. I don't think the cell phone should be taken away, only the texting on it. All teens should have a cell phone ONLY to keep in quick contact with their parents if anything should happen while away from the parents. I suggest the FireFly cell phone for the teens that the parents don't think their kid is responsible enough to have texting. I myself as a teen wouldn't even let the thought cross my mind of doing something as horrible as this. It's just pure sick and wrong.

[jmarks211]

Sexting is a very serious problem and the pictures haunt a life time this should not have a slap on the hand for these teenagers that think it is a game.

[Chuck]

It falls under the 2% rule. 98% of the people must suffer for the sstupid acts of 2% of the people in that group.

[JRbickley]

Maybe I'am insane, but I think society is the problem. This young woman that killed herself because some young immature boy fowarded her picture out to 200 classmates is a casualty of an insane society that makes stupid rules over human nature. For example; and 300 pound man with large man breast can take his shirt off in public and thats ok. Now a woman with very small breast or no breast can't because by law she can not show her ereola. She can however put a sticker on each ereola and then she is legal. So she can show all the cleevage she wants that differs her from most men, but she can't show that part that is most like what most men have. So we have an ancient morality law that says a woman can't show her ereola or her woman parts and men just can't show their man parts in public. I have an insane theory that MEN with small man parts that had a woman with nice breast pushed this law. They didn't want their women too see men that were more in doud and they didn't want other men seeing their property in fear that they would try and steal it. Naked is only wrong because an insane society dreamed it up and made it law... Their is NO intelligent reasoning behind it. JMO

[codysmom]

Redhead has her head on her shoulders....was discussing this with some of my friends today and they said that texting is an option! Thank you for your post..I voted take away their cell phones but, if you can disable chat or text or whatever it is called then YES! I don't have cellphone so I had to get advise about them.

[Pierced Bliss]

I actually have a female friend that had both breasts removed due to cancer, the areola was removed, and the scar tissue has been tattooed over in a breast cancer memorial type design, she cannot go without a shirt simply because of her gender. She no longer has breasts, flat chested as they come now but is still told she cannot be without a shirt because of her gender. That's crazy. I never understood why a man could walk around without a shirt and man boobs and a woman could not. Heck in some states breastfeeding in public is against the law. Talk about ludicrous.

[JRbickley]

Insanity is the discovery channel can have a piece on an indigenous tribe on national TV and sense its "educational" they can show men and women in their "natural". Singer Lil Kim went to a music awards some years back with one breast hanging out with only a star sticker covering her areola and nothing really said, but when Janet Jackson had part of her outfit pulled off that exposed for a sec. one breast there was absolute pandemonium. Like no one had ever seen a breast before. People are so melodramatic...

"few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such ipinions." (Albert Einstein)

[Melinda]

I just would prefer not to see some people naked as I'm sure some or most even would prefer not to see me naked. Has nothing to do with right or wrong really.

[JRbickley]

I just would prefer not to see some people naked as I'm sure some or most even would prefer not to see me naked. Has nothing to do with right or wrong really.

That's why we were given heads on a neck and eyes with lids.hehe....

[Bryan Underwood]

Under Kentucky law as presently written, as I read it, a person (18+) could be charged with a class D felony (1-5 years) for possessing pic of nude minor or distributing it by forwarding it to others. If he or she actively promoted or induced the minor to pose for the pic, and the minor was age 17-16 the charge goes up to a class Class C felony (5-10 years), or under 16 a Class B felony (10-20 years), or if the minor incurs physical injury in the process a Class A felony (20 to life). Distribution or promotion offenses are sex offenses requiring registration and treatment, but not a possession charge. Generally , a minor over age 14 who commits a Class A or B felony may be tried as an adult after a hearing to decide the issue. A juvenile charged with the above crimes with the case being handled in juvenile court would not be required to register as a sex offender nor subject to the same penalties.

Sexting between consenting adults could possibly be charged as distribution of obscene matter, a Class B misdemeanor, but, depending on the circumstances, would face serious constitutional challenges.

[JRbickley]

Sexting between consenting adults could possibly be charged as distribution of obscene matter, a Class B misdemeanor, but, depending on the circumstances, would face serious constitutional challenges.


O' crap..

[Biggun]

Not constitutional challenges, ACLU challenges.

[JRbickley]

I'll just take care of my woman.... Really don't care what the law says.;)

[mark]

.............kids don't need cell phones anyway. I know...I know, I hear from the parents
"I wanna know where my kids are all the time".

Are you kidding yourselves?
Sorry, parents, a lot of the kids will tell you what you want to hear...and... that may not be the truth!

If they are sexting, can you believe anything else they say? .........see ya mark

I still say kids DO NOT need cell phones. Parents trying to keep up with their kid's life by cell phone usage is only kidding themselves.

Just take the phones away, end of sexting problems, etc..........see ya mark

[Biggun]

Funny thing is, our parents kept up with us long before cell phones emerged. We kept up with our kids with no cell phones. What the heck has happened?

[Bryan Underwood]

Not constitutional challenges, ACLU challenges.

Sometimes the ACLU gets a constitutional challenge right; I'm not a card carrying member, but I'm glad the organization exists to protect certain constitutional liberties just like I'm glad the NRA exists to protect 2nd amendment rights. It's difficult for one individual to fight the power of the government.

[Brian K Beckett]

It's difficult for one individual to fight the power of the government.



Yes it is. Been there! Done that! and failed miserably!!!

But I would do it again!

[Chuck]

It's difficult for one individual to fight the power of the government.

Ahh,, the god ol days when the people of this Country where the United States Government.

[codysmom]

I don't know if you all have seen this yet but very scary. Just received it via email and it kinda has to do with the original post. Maybe Chuck can move it in his spare time :Banane37::fear: if it hasn't been posted yet. Could be a separate post altogether.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCyKcoDaofg

[Chuck]

That is a complete seperate article by itself. I have been working on that for about a month.

[Brian K Beckett]

I don't know if you all have seen this yet but very scary. Just received it via email and it kinda has to do with the original post. Maybe Chuck can move it in his spare time :Banane37::fear: if it hasn't been posted yet. Could be a separate post altogether.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCyKcoDaofg

If it wasent for being illegal I would like to try and do that to someones phone, just to see if I could actually do it.

If someone buggs my phone, they must have a really dull life if they want to listen to my boreing conversations.

Either way its kinda scarry, but if something has a speaker/mic and transmits a signal I guerentee their is a way to find that signal and listen in. I remember a few years ago you could pick up cell phones or cordless phones and baby monitors with a scanner, I am sure it could still be done.

[kcredden]

I just heard that Mylie Cyrus (Billy Ray's little girl) has been stalked by a 19 year old, and guess what? He cracked her facebook page, and found some - ahem - photos that will land him in jail if he was to be found with them. Also he got her cell number.

Now teens, think of THAT. Would you want a creep doing that with your photos or even worse getting your cell number and harassing you? Or finding out where your family lives and salking or harassing them? That's just an excellent example of what could happen if you was to post things you don't need to post on the net.

The biggest thing here is; THE NET IS NOT SAFE. No network is truly 'uncrackable'. If it's on the net, it can be cracked into, period. Also the net isn't erased. Every byte you post, is saved somewhere, and can come back to haunt you later.

The safest way to guard against both threats, is to post NOTHING that can be dangerous. Credit card numbers, phone numbers, physical addresses, or photos. Just because your sending it a friend, doesn't mean they won't be spread.

I'm not posting it because I'm an old fart. I post because a) I actually started with the computer revolution in 1980, and been with it since then. So I know what I'm speaking of. and b) I'm still young enough to remember my high school experience and the years afterwards. You don't wish to go though what I've gone though. Humiliation takes years to get over.

Just think about it, next time you want to 'be cool' and post your pics, or info to the net. Also just remember about photos. If they're taken, even if you don't post them, don't share the period, and erase them off your camera. If someone could get ahold of the camera, they could be spread around.

You can spread this note round however.

- Kc

[mark]

I just heard that Mylie Cyrus (Billy Ray's little girl) has been stalked by a 19 year old, and guess what? He cracked her facebook page, and found some - ahem - photos that will land him in jail if he was to be found with them.

- Kc

Hmmmm, I wonder why would anyone would put any type of pictures on the net that would be embarrassing if others could see it?

Sounds stupid to me, especially if one is famous.......see ya mark

[JRbickley]

Hmmmm, I wonder why would anyone would put any type of pictures on the net that would be embarrassing if others could see it?

Sounds stupid to me, especially if one is famous.......see ya mark

Maybe she was just being a kid, or maybe her manager told her to???

[Biggun]

Maybe she was just being a kid, or maybe her manager told her to???

Maybe her parents should have more control over her?

[landlord]

Yeah here we go. Judging again! When we have a daughter who makes more than 7 figures and is exposed to everything she has been, then maybe, but not now.

[Biggun]

Not judging, just stating rudimentary fundamentals of child rearing. Know what your child is doing. Ask questions. Be a parent and not a friend. Gee it was never that hard when mine were growing up.

[JRbickley]

Not judging, just stating rudimentary fundamentals of child rearing. Know what your child is doing. Ask questions. Be a parent and not a friend. Gee it was never that hard when mine were growing up.

I'am gonna side with you on this one with the freind thing, but biggun the schools are teaching 100 % education. Now I know you can't teach knowledge or aptitude, neither can be taught. So imagine what us parents are facing know.. Highly Educated young people with the lack of experience/ (knowledge) and little or no apititude for anything other than taking a test.

[landlord]

Maybe her parents should have more control over her?

Control? That I am afraid is just a nice word thrown around but when you look at it, what control is there? What it comes down to is whether or not the child respects the parents and themselves.

[acoolmom777]

Control….I would never try and “control” my daughter……she is her own person…and I have “taught” her to be that way…..Respect…yes….if they respect their-self, then they will respect others…..
I would not take her phone, because she is a teen....If she ever needed me while she was out (for whatever reason)....I am only a phone call away...and as for texting....she could text me without anyone but her knowing.....I totally trust her until she would give me a reason not too...and she is also a leader not a follower....therefore I would not punisher "Her" for the act of others.....
(Dang that is deep...I need another cup of java).....:p

[kdown]

Originally Posted by Biggun
Not judging, just stating rudimentary fundamentals of child rearing. Know what your child is doing. Ask questions. Be a parent and not a friend. Gee it was never that hard when mine were growing up.

So true !!!!! But you didn't have Dr Phil to tell you how to raise them.....LOL

[Biggun]

So true !!!!! But you didn't have Dr Phil to tell you how to raise them.....LOL

Didn't need Dr. Phil or a book or some alleged "expert". My parents taught me and I taught my children. Simple concept really. One problem i see now is that there is no time for our kids. Always running here or there or working those long hours. Kids taking care of themselves. That's not the way it should be. Kids don't have the opportunity to bond with their parents. Not all kids, just some.
<br />****** Double Post *********</br>
Control….I would never try and “control” my daughter……she is her own person…and I have “taught” her to be that way…..Respect…yes….if they respect their-self, then they will respect others…..
I would not take her phone, because she is a teen....If she ever needed me while she was out (for whatever reason)....I am only a phone call away...and as for texting....she could text me without anyone but her knowing.....I totally trust her until she would give me a reason not too...and she is also a leader not a follower....therefore I would not punisher "Her" for the act of others.....
(Dang that is deep...I need another cup of java).....:p

As for controlling your children, what i mean is controlling what they see and what they hear in their formative years.

[csweet]

My daughters was not allowed to have cell phones until they had a job to pay for them and also 18 yrs of age. Kids these days do not know the word responsibility, they just know the words give me and I need. They should live in the olden days and see what we had to communicate with, was nothing more then using a mouth. The most we got in trouble with was riding around Frish's or Bisotties in Aberdeen. We had a curfew and knew what would happen if we broke it.

[Biggun]

Seems to me that parents don't have enough time with their children nowadays. Usually within a month or so after birth they have to be taken to daycare or a sitter's. Then if the parents have anything to do in the evening, they have to rely on a sitter again. It's a much different world today than 20-30 years ago. Both parents have to work to be able to make it in this economy. That sad situation seems to affect the children more than the parents. Kids don't have the time necessary to bond with their parents anymore.

[SilverFox]

I have always been amused at people who swear they can "have it all". Work all day, go to school at night and raise children. Someone suffers and it is usually the children. We all have had to work, but at night and on weekends, we should spend time with our children. I am really glad I am not raising children in this day and age. Parents can't be afraid to say NO and certainly little girls need to be raised to know they have value other than their bodies.

[acoolmom777]

I am very proud of my daughter...she is smart and has direction in life (she is 14 so that may change...lol)...she has street smarts, common sense, morels, and an attitude.....get her black belt in "chick foo" and she maybe dangerous..lol...
as for her cell, well that should be a case by case for the parents...they are kids...they could be doing worse things...think back to when you were a teen....we as parents need...
T = To
E = Evaluate
E = Ethic's
N = Nobly