Vermont Lawmakers Look To Legalize Teen 'Sexting'

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Vermont Lawmakers Look To Legalize Teen 'Sexting'

Under Current Law, Teens Who Text Message Explicit Photos Could Be Prosecuted As Sex Offenders

MONTPELIER, Vt. (CBS) ― Text messaging graphic pictures of yourself could soon be legal for teens in Vermont.

Lawmakers there are considering a bill that would make it legal for teenagers 18 and under to exchange explicit photos and videos of themselves – an act that's come to be known by teens as "sexting."

Under the current law, teenagers could be prosecuted as sex offenders if they get caught sending graphic sexual images of themselves, even if it was consensual.

A state House committee will hear more testimony on it later this week.

In a recent study, 18 percent of female students nationwide say they've tried sexting.

New York City student Stefanie Garcia is only in high school, and says sexting happens all the time.

"Girls in underwear, guys completely naked, muscle pictures, stuff like that," Garcia told CBS 2.

Actress Vanessa Hudgens is still trying to live down the scandal of her nude pictures ending up on-line, when they were meant for her boyfriend.

"It'll get there in like 30 seconds. The world can know about anything," high school senior Juli Ssacontreras said.

Ssacontreras says sexting is like paparazzi for teenagers and it's not just nude pictures that are being sent.

"People using drugs, of people being drunk, maybe doing some other illegal activities," she said.

Karen Salmansohn is an expert on talking with teenagers about smart choices. She writes books to empower girls, and says parents need to talk to their kids about the dangers of sexting -- using their language.

"Don't talk to them in language saying this is right this is wrong. That's not going to get to a kid," Salmansohn said.

"You have to talk them, you know what you think is cool isn't so cool. You have to use the language of cool because that's why they're doing it."

Tell them that once that embarrassing pictures goes out, there's no way to get it off the Internet, and could affect their college and future job opportunities when recruiters search the Web. They're also up for grabs for sexual predators. By law, sexually explicit pictures of anyone under 18 are considered child pornography.

The head of wiredsafety.org, says minors can be charged with child pornography, so parents need to call police if an explicit picture of your child is on the Internet. If you don't get action, contact your attorney general's office.

http://wcbstv.com/technology/sexting.vermo...s.2.983956.html

[Peikko 1,575]

Problematic. It should be illegal for an adult to obtain pictures of naked children, but children should not be blighted for the rest of their lives as sex offenders for sending naked pictures of themselves to their mates, however bad a decision that might be.

[fozzie 41]

Does it really need to be made "legal"? It's something that needs to be worded very carefully to avoid any loop holes that would allow abuse. Maybe just 'decriminalize' it.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Keep it illegal, just turn the penalty into no cell phones or other recording devices for 5 years

[Ban Hammer 13,340]

vermont lawmakers are probably just hoping they can find lost teen cell phones.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

vermont lawmakers are probably just hoping they can find lost teen cell phones.

I forgot about that story!

http://www.vermonter.com/vtpress/2008/07/f...brooke-bennett/

[spookyturtle 9,465]

First gay marriage and now the whole state goes to pot.

[britty 1]

Hold the parents or guardians accountable. Put a lien on their income. I bet the nude pics will soon stop.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Put a lien on their income.

Sometimes, the law should focus less on showing us citizens who da man and more on actually achieving desired outcomes... in this case desired outcomes can be reached by much less drastic measures. Unless of course, you just enjoy the sadistic pleasure of watching grown men go BOHICA as you show up in your leather outfit, whip in hand.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

mmmkkkkk.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Problematic. It should be illegal for an adult to obtain pictures of naked children, but children should not be blighted for the rest of their lives as sex offenders for sending naked pictures of themselves to their mates, however bad a decision that might be.

And besides, there is NO LAW gainst public nudity in Vermont...NO SH IT!!!! One favorite past time here is nude bicycle riding. (in summer) and nude bicycle rallies to protest the latest cause are all the rage in Montpelier. College students have to try it out every year. They hear the rumor, don't believe it and stroll down Church St. naked just to see what happens. Nothing. All ages allowed. SO...children and teens can walk down the street naked, ride bicycles naked, mow the lawn naked, swim naked at the mountain stream "potholes" (crowded with naked people in the summer) but cannot send a text photo of it? I'm surprised it ever WAS illegal! By the way, anyone can carry a concealed weapon without a permit although it is difficult when you are naked unless it is a real small pistol. Preferably stainless steel.

Oh, by public popular demand, I always wear clothes.

[Nagishkaw 510]

First gay marriage and now the whole state goes to pot.

Oh he!!, why not.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

First gay marriage and now the whole state goes to pot.

oh yes, it is an inevitable and logical descent into the sh1ts

RUN, everyone, RUN!!! puh-leaze.