To sext or not to sext
Michael Adams
Issue date: 4/17/09 Section: Opinion
By now, if you have read the news, you have heard about sexting. If you haven't, sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between cell phones (thank you, Wikipedia). It came on the scene a couple of years ago, when a couple of high school students decided to send some lewd pictures of themselves to friends, thinking it was just a harmless act. Well, it turns out, it isn't so harmless. We're in the world of technology now, Mrs. Cleaver. Get ready for a wild ride.
Apparently, some little kiddos did not get the message. It turns out that if you send sexually explicit pictures to someone, then you can be found in possession of child pornography. Yep, bet you didn't know that one. It's true. I recently read a story about a student who is now labeled as a sex offender for the rest of his life, all because of sexting. That one picture has ruined his life, his chance at getting a solid job, and dating, plus he hasn't even graduated from high school. While I do not condone this odd-ball behavior in anyway, these effects are just far too tough on a high school student.
Now, I can understand if it is some sixty-five year old man receiving these pictures of young kids; that's just creepy, and he (or she) should be spending a lot of time in prison. But, if it is two high school students having "experimental fun", then the punishment should be lessened. They are going to figure out other ways to send pictures to each other. Already, cell phone messages can be tracked and pinpointed to the very location and time the sext was sent. I think that would be enough of a deterrent for someone to stop doing it, but unfortunately, it continues to spread like bacteria in a petri dish. Now, if it's all innocent and consensual, then why aren't any states crafting up laws and regulations?
I thought states were just letting this go by the wayside, but after some research, I found that my very own home state of Vermont is pushing a law through Congress that will legalize sexting. Is this law stating that if you are a middle or high school student, sext away? I think so. Health teachers better watch out-you could have a problem on your hands very soon. The bill has already passed the Senate with the rationale that "they don't want to condone the behavior but they don't think teenagers should be prosecuted as sex offenders for consensual conduct". Ok, that's fine and great, but shouldn't we be taking the education of our children a little bit further. It's not like their mom is going to say something like, "Joe, if you really like Sally, you need to sext her, but please, do nothing else. Only sexting." That's just plain weird. I would hope that parents do not condone this behavior with their children. Apparently, they are just growing up so fast, that they need to use technology to show their "love" for each other. Give me a break.
These trends, in a way, disgust me. What is happening to Generation Y? Where did sexting even come from? Why are people doing it? You could argue that it's because teenagers are exploring who they are and want to get in touch with their sexuality, but do you need to send a text message to your middle school lover detailing your sexcapades? I think not. Whatever happened to holding hands, kissing, and complimenting your significant other? Teens can't communicate in real life anymore? Everything needs to be technologically-based. I'm waiting for the day when Sally says "Ok, from now on, I'm only believing him if he sends me a text message saying I love you, because if he says it to my face, I know he's lying." This whole sexting revolution, unfortunately, is something we are all going to have to get used to, one sexting story at a time.
Apparently, some little kiddos did not get the message. It turns out that if you send sexually explicit pictures to someone, then you can be found in possession of child pornography. Yep, bet you didn't know that one. It's true. I recently read a story about a student who is now labeled as a sex offender for the rest of his life, all because of sexting. That one picture has ruined his life, his chance at getting a solid job, and dating, plus he hasn't even graduated from high school. While I do not condone this odd-ball behavior in anyway, these effects are just far too tough on a high school student.
Now, I can understand if it is some sixty-five year old man receiving these pictures of young kids; that's just creepy, and he (or she) should be spending a lot of time in prison. But, if it is two high school students having "experimental fun", then the punishment should be lessened. They are going to figure out other ways to send pictures to each other. Already, cell phone messages can be tracked and pinpointed to the very location and time the sext was sent. I think that would be enough of a deterrent for someone to stop doing it, but unfortunately, it continues to spread like bacteria in a petri dish. Now, if it's all innocent and consensual, then why aren't any states crafting up laws and regulations?
I thought states were just letting this go by the wayside, but after some research, I found that my very own home state of Vermont is pushing a law through Congress that will legalize sexting. Is this law stating that if you are a middle or high school student, sext away? I think so. Health teachers better watch out-you could have a problem on your hands very soon. The bill has already passed the Senate with the rationale that "they don't want to condone the behavior but they don't think teenagers should be prosecuted as sex offenders for consensual conduct". Ok, that's fine and great, but shouldn't we be taking the education of our children a little bit further. It's not like their mom is going to say something like, "Joe, if you really like Sally, you need to sext her, but please, do nothing else. Only sexting." That's just plain weird. I would hope that parents do not condone this behavior with their children. Apparently, they are just growing up so fast, that they need to use technology to show their "love" for each other. Give me a break.
These trends, in a way, disgust me. What is happening to Generation Y? Where did sexting even come from? Why are people doing it? You could argue that it's because teenagers are exploring who they are and want to get in touch with their sexuality, but do you need to send a text message to your middle school lover detailing your sexcapades? I think not. Whatever happened to holding hands, kissing, and complimenting your significant other? Teens can't communicate in real life anymore? Everything needs to be technologically-based. I'm waiting for the day when Sally says "Ok, from now on, I'm only believing him if he sends me a text message saying I love you, because if he says it to my face, I know he's lying." This whole sexting revolution, unfortunately, is something we are all going to have to get used to, one sexting story at a time.
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