HARRISBURG -
A State Representative from York County is proposing a new bill to change they way teenage first offenders are punished for "sexting."
"Sexting" involves sending erotic messages and pictures via cell phone or other electronic devices. When it involves images of children under age 18, it's illegal and considered child pornography, a felony. If convicted, offenders are considered sexual predators and must register under the state's Megan's Law.
Republican Representative Seth Grove, of the 196th district, says many who "sext" are high school students. He feels the punishment should lightened for first offenses, from a felony to a second degree misdemeanor.
Rep. Grove says, "getting them into an education program, explaining what they did wrong versus making them file as a sex offender for 10 years and basically ruining their life before it begins."
The York County District Attorney's office agrees with changing the current laws, which were established in 1990's. Prosecutors say without the change, a student's stupid mistake can become tragic.
Chief Deputy District Attorney, Jeffrey Boyles says, "they wouldn't be able to get into a University, wouldn't be able to get a good job, won't be able to get student aid, all things a teenager isn't thinking about at this point."
Grove says if the bill is approved by state lawmakers, the crime of "sexting" will still be taken seriously, but would give students a second chance.
The bill will apply only to those ages 13 to 17, who are first offenders and convicted of "sexting" in any form.
Lawmakers say parents should be proactive to prevent "sexting" altogether. They suggest eliminating the picture option from your child's cell phone and also keeping computers & video games in common areas of your home.
Boyles says, "you (parents) have to make the decision either they're going to be a friend, see them get in trouble, ruin the rest of their life & support them or be their parent & try to stop it ahead of time."
"Sexting" involves sending erotic messages and pictures via cell phone or other electronic devices. When it involves images of children under age 18, it's illegal and considered child pornography, a felony. If convicted, offenders are considered sexual predators and must register under the state's Megan's Law.
Republican Representative Seth Grove, of the 196th district, says many who "sext" are high school students. He feels the punishment should lightened for first offenses, from a felony to a second degree misdemeanor.
Rep. Grove says, "getting them into an education program, explaining what they did wrong versus making them file as a sex offender for 10 years and basically ruining their life before it begins."
The York County District Attorney's office agrees with changing the current laws, which were established in 1990's. Prosecutors say without the change, a student's stupid mistake can become tragic.
Chief Deputy District Attorney, Jeffrey Boyles says, "they wouldn't be able to get into a University, wouldn't be able to get a good job, won't be able to get student aid, all things a teenager isn't thinking about at this point."
Grove says if the bill is approved by state lawmakers, the crime of "sexting" will still be taken seriously, but would give students a second chance.
The bill will apply only to those ages 13 to 17, who are first offenders and convicted of "sexting" in any form.
Lawmakers say parents should be proactive to prevent "sexting" altogether. They suggest eliminating the picture option from your child's cell phone and also keeping computers & video games in common areas of your home.
Boyles says, "you (parents) have to make the decision either they're going to be a friend, see them get in trouble, ruin the rest of their life & support them or be their parent & try to stop it ahead of time."
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