October 19, 2012
On youth sexting, Pa. and other states act to prosecute, not persecute
"In 2009, three teenage girls at Greensburg Salem High School in Western Pennsylvania sent nude or seminude cellphone pictures of themselves to their boyfriends.
All six were charged with child pornography, a felony that carries draconian sentences and lifelong consequences such as registering as a sex offender.
Wednesday, Pennsylvania joined a growing number of states in passing a bill that would punish kids for sexting, but not necessarily ruin their lives.
Under House Bill 815, youths 12 to 17 who send, view, or disseminate sexually explicit images can be charged with a misdemeanor or summary offense, depending on the circumstances. Instead of jail time and a tarnished future, offenders will be allowed to enter a diversionary educational program and afterward have their records wiped clean.
Gov. Corbett said he intends to sign the bill, which would go into effect 60 days later.
Since 2009, at least 19 states, including New Jersey, have enacted bills to address youth sexting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. This year, 13 states introduced or are considering sexting laws."
http://articles.philly.com/2012-10-19/news/34585481_1_nude-pictures-greensburg-salem-high-school-juvenile-program
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