OTHER OPINIONS : Don't overreact to 'sexting'

By The Ledger (Lakeland, Fla.)

Posted: August 18, 2009 at 11:29 a.m.

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LAKELAND, Fla. — "Sexting" - sending sexually provocative photos via cell phone or e-mail - is hardly an innocent pastime. Yet teens who engage in this risky behavior often have no harmful intent, no clue to the potential consequences and no idea that they may be committing a crime.

Their exhibitionism should not be condoned. But when it is not intentionally exploitative, it should not be prosecuted as felony child pornography.

Unfortunately, too many communities are doing exactly that.

In Pennsylvania, for example, adistrict attorney is threatening to file child-pornography charges against three girls, pictured partially clad, in photos from a slumber party. :

In such circumstances, a pornography charge is not warranted. It is an overreaction that subjects these children to humiliation, fear, legal expense and a criminal record.

What is needed is a more sensible, moderate response - one that offers juvenile first offenders a life lesson without destroying their lives. :

Opinion, Pages 4 on 08/18/2009

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