Sexting Among Teens, Adults Can Carry Dire Legal Consequences

December 14, 2012

Sexting Among Teens, Adults Can Carry Dire Legal Consequences

Technological advancements have had a great impact on the way teens learn, interact and communicate. One consequence of ubiquitous cellphone use is sexting. According to a new study conducted by the University of Texas Medical Branch that surveyed 1,000 students, about 28 percent of teens have sent sexual pictures of themselves to other teens, and over half of teens surveyed had been asked for a nude photo. Despite the widespread phenomenon, many teenagers in Michigan may not be aware of the potential legal consequences of sexting.

Serious Legal Consequences

Sexting carries serious legal consequences. If teens possess nude photographs of minors, or send them, they may face child pornography or criminal sexual conduct charges. In some states, teens must register as sex offenders. Another survey, conducted by the University of Utah, reports that teens are aware of these legal consequences, but that does not deter them. In fact, teens surveyed who knew of the legal consequences were more likely to send sexual pictures than those who were not. Researchers are contemplating this connection.

Some advocates say that a criminal justice approach is inappropriate and that making teens register as sex offenders for sexting their boyfriend or girlfriend "creates a problem that's bigger than the problem they're trying to solve."

Sexting Connected with Other Risky Behaviors

The University of Texas study reported that sexting teens are more likely to be having sex. It also reported that girls involved in sexting are more likely to be involved in other high-risk sexual activities, such as having sex after alcohol or drug use and having more than one partner.

When a sext is sent, it is unlikely that the receiver is the only person who is going to see it.

Many sexts get sent to people throughout a given high school, causing social and psychological effects. Sexting affects a teen's future relationships and self-esteem and may even lead to bullying.

The legal and personal consequences of sexting can follow a teen forever. Teens charged with sexting-related offenses will find it imperative to contact a criminal defense attorney to help them protect their legal rights.

Article provided by Simon & Geherin, PLLC
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