Submitted by Detective Brian Soos
I am writing to warn you about the dangers of the internet, particularly sexting, and I seek your cooperation in keeping all our children safe. Some parents may be unfamiliar with sexting. It is generally defined as the sending, sharing, viewing, receiving or possession of indecent visual depictions of oneself or another person using a cell phone, tablet, computer or other electronic device. Sexting can take place on countless messaging and social media platforms.
Discussing sexting and its legal and social consequences with your children is imperative and may prevent and reduce incidences of it at school and elsewhere. A recent survey revealed that about 20 percent of teen boys and girls have sent “sext” messages. Engaging in this behavior can result in long term social, emotional and legal consequences. Children who share inappropriate or sexually explicit photos depicting people younger than 18 (even if it is a picture of themselves) can be convicted of crimes under state and federal child pornography laws.
A person “Endangers the Welfare of a Child,” a crime of the second degree (subject to punishment of up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison), if they knowingly distribute an item depicting the sexual exploitation of a child. Those who photograph or film a child in a prohibited sexual act or simulation of such an act using any device, including a computer or cell phone to reproduce or reconstruct the image of a child are subject to the same laws.
As an example, a juvenile could be prosecuted for sending inappropriate or sexually explicit images of themselves to another juvenile. Additionally, anyone who receives that image and forwards it to just one other person or more can be charged with Distribution of Child Pornography. Individuals engaging in such conduct face varying degrees of punishment, including, but not limited to, incarceration, detention, sex offender registration, court imposed supervision and restrictions, community service, fines and counseling.
Living in a digital age is a double-edged sword. The ability to quickly send, receive and access information can make our lives incredibly convenient. Unfortunately it can also make our children incredibly vulnerable. I tell all the students that once any information is distributed onto the World Wide Web it is saved in cyberspace forever and cannot be taken back. Higher education admission officers and employers increasingly review internet sites of possible candidates to make sure nothing in a person’s past may overshadow a potential acceptance or hire. Once again images or videos memorialized in the digital world can come back to haunt or be manipulated to cast you child in a negative light.
Please make sure your child understands the seriousness of exchanging inappropriate or sexually explicit photos or videos and spell out what is, and is not appropriate to send. Please tell your child that under NO circumstances should they be taking inappropriate photos or videos of themselves. If someone asks them to create such a photo, video etc., they should say no and report the same to a trusted adult or authority figure. Additionally as parents please take the time to educate yourselves on the dangers of the internet and the vulnerabilities your child faces with regard to predators and other persons or businesses looking to exploit your children and their innocence.
I suggest you establish boundaries for appropriate versus inappropriate use of the internet, work with your child to establish consequences if they send inappropriate messages, images or videos and let them know you will randomly check and monitor browser history, texts, emails and social media sites. If you come across something that raises a red flag regarding the safety of your child or other children, please report any situations that you are aware of to local authorities or school administration.
I am grateful for you cooperation and support as we work together to keep our children safe.
