Any minor sending or receiving explicit photos of another minor has committed three felonies: promoting, distributing, and possessing child pornography. And according to a study done by MTV, 24% of 14 to 17 years olds have been involved in one or more of these activities. The criminal charge for consensual sexting between minors has the potential to convict an entire generation of children as registered sex offenders therefore must be changed to a more reasonable punishment. In North Carolina authorities discovered a teenage couple ages 16 and 17 exchanging nude photos. According to the Michigan Chronicle, the boy was charged with “two counts of second-degree sexual exploitation and three counts of third-degree exploitation.” He could face up to 10 years in prison and be forced to register as a sex offender. The girl took a plea deal which included 1 year on probation, a life class, and a fine of $200. These charges will remain on their records permanently greatly impacting their futures. These laws might have been suitable 20 years ago, but with current technology, 3 out of 4 teenagers have constant access to the internet through their phones and other technological devices. This makes the probability of a minor taking, sending, or receiving an explicit image much greater than ever before. The current law …show more content…
Using the current child pornogrphy laws for cases of teenage sexting can land them the sex offender registry next to pedophiles and rapists. Sending children to prison for a decade, or forcing them to register as a sex offender is not protecting them, it’s just hindering their future. The fact that most teenagers have access to phones or other devices means they are extremely likely take, send, or receive a sexually explicit image. Times are changing, and so should these