Let's talk about sexting: teens need to be educated
These days, most teens have a cell phone. But what most teens, parents and teachers do not realize is that anyone, even a minor, who sends sexually explicit photos of kids under 18 from his or her cell phone to another cell phone commits a serious crime.
“Sexting” — as this is commonly called — falls under Pennsylvania’s child pornography statue. That makes sexting under current law a felony offense.
Teens charged with sexting could face placement away from home; they could end up a registered sex offender; and they could be dogged the rest of their life with a permanent criminal record. Reasonable, understanding prosecutors in Pennsylvania recognize that while sexting is wrong, it should not always be treated as a felony. To be sure, there might be instances or cases where a felony charge might be appropriate.