By Billy S. Garland
There was a time in America’s history when the worst problems with kids in schools were chewing gum and talking in class. Today, however, the scene has changed drastically. According to a study conducted in 2006 by the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit group that studies reproductive and sexual health, teen pregnancy is again on the rise, after a decade-long decrease. Around the same time, ABC News reported an increase in teen prescription drug abuse. Currently, parents have turned their attention to the phenomenon of sexting, in which teenagers send sexually explicit photographs or messages to their friends, via text messaging.
The issues and dangers inherent in sexting are clear. First, once sent out, you cannot take that image back. Consistently, these images are being passed around and not held in confidence by the person on the receiving end. Once boys would have simply told tall tales about their personal conquests. Now they simply pass around the photo they were given, never realizing the embarrassment and emotional scarring they might be inflicting.
Second, should any of these images ever be placed onto the Internet, it becomes fair game for all of the perverts and child pornographers with a little bit of initiative. Multiple Web sites exist simply to publish these photos after they are stolen from Facebook, MySpace and Photobucket accounts. All of the sudden, a private, intimately-intended text message turns into a piece of pornographic contraband.
Third, the kids involved are as young as 13. Clearly, this leaves the situation more convoluted and dangerous. These images are, quite literally, pornography involving children. Notice that I did not say “child pornography,” because now, finally, a distinction is evolving.
In 2010, the national and state governments have begun to formulate new sexting laws that would protect underage children from being prosecuted for the production of child pornography should they be caught sexting. Thankfully, government has finally taken a step back and realized the ridiculousness of putting a child on trial for such a vile charge.
These children are not criminals. Admittedly, they are self indulgent, hormone-addled and horny. But while that may lead them to do something stupid, like send a nude photo to a guy with peach fuzz on his chin, they should not be branded as sex offenders and have their futures stripped away. Let it be clear that I do not condone or support the act of sexting at any age. As a matter of fact, I think it is reckless and stupid. But when it comes down to it, that’s all it is.
These children are not pornographers. They are just kids with a cell phone. And they should be treated as such.
Billy is a senior communication major. E-mail him at bgarland@louisvillecardinal.com
