DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES OF SEXTING

The Texarkana, Texas Police is encouraging teenagers to refrain from so called "sexting", the practice of sending sexually explicit messages or images electronically, primarily between mobile phones. Some teens are using technology to easily distribute photographs, video's and explicit messages to boyfriends, girlfriends and even strangers they have only met online.

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy surveyed 1,300 teens about sexting and found some troubling results:

71% of teenage girls and 67% of teen boys who have sent or posted sexually suggestive content say they have sent it to a boyfriend or girlfriend.

15% of teens who have sent or posted nude or semi-nude images of themselves have done so to people they only knew online.

44% of both teenage girls and boys say it is common for sexually suggestive text messages to get shared with people other than the intended recipient.

The social danger for teenagers is that the message sender has no control of its distribution. Unintentional circulation of inappropriate material can lead to suspension from school or athletic participation and other embarrassment. Compromising photos and videos can hinder teens attempts to get into colleges, receive scholarships and even gain employment.

Teenagers in possession of sexually suggestive images of classmates or companions oould face jail time.

Parents need to have frank conversations with their children about the potential for embarrassment and legal ramifications of sexting.

If teens do not want a photo or text message to fall into the wrong hands-including strangers, potential employers, teachers and others, should not send it. A lack of privacy can put them at risk.

Authorities say teens, parents, teachers, and law enforcement must keep an open line of communication to combat the ever increasing problem of "sexting".