Popularity Of Sexting Among Young People

12 April, 2013 15:52

Sexting penalties too harsh: study

"A study led by the University of NSW has found that young people are surprised by the legal penalties for sexting

Child pornography laws that mean teens could be charged for using mobile phones to share revealing images of themselves are "excessive and hyped" and need amending, a report says.

A study led by the University of NSW has found that young people are surprised by the legal penalties for sexting, and don't consider all naked or semi-naked pictures as inherently shameful.

The study on "sexting" focused on 16 to 17-year-olds who are over the age of sexual consent but could face charges for texting photos or video considered to be child pornography by law.

Dr Kath Albury, from UNSW's Journalism and Media Research Centre, says the study found laws need to be updated to take into account the popularity of sexting among young people."

http://www.techworld.com.au/article/458904/sexting_penalties_too_harsh_study/