Sexting and Kids: Should Advent of 'Sexting' Prompt Legal Reform?

Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper would rather spend time in the classroom talking to kids about sexting than proving crimes against them in the courtroom.

In that arena, teens who take, ask to take, possess or electronically transmit sexually explicit pictures of anyone under 18 are prosecuted under the same felony statutes as adult pedophiles. Cooper thinks that’s unfortunate, WXYZ, Channel 7, reports, but unless the law changes, prosecutors have little leeway.

“I want you to pay attention, and I know you’re going to be uncomfortable, but we do have to talk about some of the things that go on the computers,” she tells students throughout metro Detroit.

Tell Us:

• With a proliferation of cell phones and other electronic devices, should laws change to give prosecutors more discretion in crimes involving sexting?

Cooper and other authorities are trying to increase awareness about the serious consequences of sexting after two recent cases. She said many students may be unaware they are committing crimes that could land them in prison for between four and 20 years.

One recent case involves two dozen girls and a half dozen boys under the age of 16 at Rochester Adams High School and Van Hoosen Middle School. In Romeo, nude pictures of classmates were found on the cell phones of about half a dozen 14- and 15-year-olds.

Both cases are expected to be tried in juvenile court, where penalties are less severe.

Related:

• Rochester Area Teens Could Face Felonies for Sexting
• Teen’s Nude Selfie Sets Off 5-Year Nightmare

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