VT- Vermont Lawmakers Tackle 'Sexting'

2-11-2009 Vermont:

Proposed Law Would Protect Teens

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Vermont's Senate Judiciary Committee is looking into changing state law to account for "sexting," a trend where young people send nude or semi-nude self portraits to each other oftentimes via cell phone text messages.

"We want to make sure that these kids, while their behavior is not appropriate, aren't held criminally liable," Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Sears said.

Prosecutors in some states have charged teens who have "sexting" images on their cell phones or computers with felonies for child pornography.

Some lawmakers don't want to see that happen in Vermont. So, the Judiciary Committee is reviewing a proposal that would exempt some teenagers from child pornography laws.

"It really comes down to the intent of the individual, in terms of prosecution," Sears added.

Teenagers often receive "sexting" messages unsolicited according to experts. Under the new proposal, lawmakers don't want those teens to be charged with a serious sex offense. However, if a teenager receives a message and sends it on to someone else they could be charged with distributing child pornography.

"It's a national problem, I think it would behoove parents, educators and others to begin to teach kids the proper use of these photos," Sears said.

Changing the law is one step, committee members said education and prevention is key.

A national survey of teens revealed 20 percent of teens surveyed said they have participated in "sexting." ..News Source.. by WPTZ.com