Two 13-year-olds from Indiana charged with child exploitation for 'sexting'

[News_Editor]

Two 13-year-olds from Indiana charged with child exploitation for 'sexting'

2011-05-27 02:32:25 GMT+7 (ICT)

VALPARAISO, INDIANA (BNO NEWS) -- Two 13-year-old children from Indiana were charged on Wednesday after they were found 'sexting' with each other, police said on Thursday.

Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages and/or photographs, usually via mobile phones. It has become a controversial issue in recent years when it involves children as prosecutors are unsure how to stop and how to punish the behavior, which can have devastating consequences.

In the latest case in Indiana, Valparaiso police were called to Thomas Jefferson Middle School on Wednesday after school officials learned that two 13-year-old students, a boy and a girl, had been texting nude photos of themselves to each other.

"Police learned through their investigation that the photos were sent in late March of this year and that both students had the photos stored in their cellular phones," Sgt. Michael Grennes said. He did not say how school officials found out about the photos.

"Police contacted the Juvenile Probation Department and both students were released to their guardians with charges of Child Exploitation referred to the Juvenile Probation Department," Grennes added.

One in five teen girls and boys has admitted to sexting, according to a survey conducted by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. An even large number said they had received sexually explicit photos of other children which were meant to be private, highlighting the risk of sexting.

But as the case in Indiana shows, both children involved can also face serious charges for the behavior, which some have argued should not be prosecuted when it only involves children. Some of those charged as a result of sexting have been placed on sex offender registries, effectively ruining their chances of having a normal life.

As state sex statutes were written before cell phones and the Internet, more than a dozen states are currently considering rewriting sex laws to update them in order to separate sexting from child pornography. This would allow lighter punishments for those caught sexting.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-05-27

[samurai]

I remember that when I was 13 years old in school a lot of exchanges of what could be called "sexually explicit messages" was going in our class.

I hope they don't arrest me if I should ever visit Valparaiso, Indiana and someone told them about my criminal past as a kid.

[Flatouthruthefog]

I remember that when I was 13 years old in school a lot of exchanges of what could be called "sexually explicit messages" was going in our class.

I hope they don't arrest me if I should ever visit Valparaiso, Indiana and someone told them about my criminal past as a kid.

Sure!!

This is a massive over-reaction to natural juvenile exploration by the powers that be, now paid a fortune by the so called "child protection industry." Known in some quarters as "women in sensible shoes."

This is simply the modern equivalent of passing crude drawings - maybe even an occasional romantic love letter - between kids at the back of the class.

I did it from 1958 to 1960. Didn't you??!!

To give a 13 year old a black mark for life over something like this is, of course, nothing less than CHILD ABUSE by the authorities!!

If no tangible harm can be found, leave the kids alone and start to police the 'thought police'!!

[powderpuff]

More candidates for "Parent of the Year" award. The next phone my kid would get was when he was 18.