Man, technology is crazy. Used to be that you had to spend a dollar or two for some good ol’ fashioned porn. Now all you have to do is hit up Rhonda, the neighborhood floozy, and get your digital freak on…SMH. New Jersey teenagers caught texting or posting sexually explicit photos online could avoid prosecution under a measure that would give first-time offenders the chance to complete a diversionary program. State Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt of Camden, who is sponsoring the bill, said it’s important to teach teens the potential consequences of their actions without saddling them with a permanent criminal record. “We need to create a path that places education and forgiveness before arrest and prosecution,” said Lampitt, a Democrat. “Young people – especially teen girls – need to understand that sending inappropriate pictures is not only potentially illegal, but can leave an indelible mark on them socially and educationally.” The bill won unanimous support from both parties in a committee and is headed for the Assembly floor. A version must also pass the Senate for it to become law. The measure targets “sexting,” the practice of sending sexually explicit or suggestive photos by cell phone, as well as e-mailing similar images and posting them online. It’s a nationwide problem that has confounded parents, school administrators and law enforcers. Prosecutors in several states including Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Wisconsin have tried to stop it by charging teens who send and receive the pictures. Charges include possession and distribution of child pornography. Lawmakers in New Jersey agreed that criminal prosecutions are better avoided when possible. “There are certain aspects (of life) in which the criminal law should not be involved, and this is one of them,” said Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll, a Republican from Morristown. We not sure this is going to work. The bottom line is, kids with cell phones will “sext”. If you are concerned about your child then get them a phone without a camera, or take the phone away all together. But, hey if they like it, we love it. Source
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New Jersey Bill Aims To Protect Children From Sexting Without Facing Criminal Charges
