CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – Police are investigating a sexting case between two teens at Carmel Middle School, according to an incident report filed this week.
On May 22, a teen videotaped a sex act with a juvenile and distributed the video, according to the report. A third party also distributed the video.
The teen could be facing charges for exploitation of a minor, officials say.
Sexting cases have been reported in middle and high schools across our viewing area and around the country. The consequences can have a lasting effect on a student.
There’s no state law that specifically references sexting, but crimes can be prosecuted under child pornography, cyber bullying, and sexual exploitation laws.
“I think it’s a big problem,” said Janet Harmon, Director of Prevention and Education at Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center in Charlotte.
She said children have the technology, the opportunity, and they don’t have the best judgment because their minds are still developing.
“Sometimes they’re in a relationship, or wanting a relationship with somebody,” said Harmon to explain one reason why teens would allow sexting to take place. Harmon said sometimes children can be bullied or coerced into taking pictures, too.
WBTV Cyber expert Theresa Payton says when it comes to sexting, children don’t realize that their digital footprint can be permanent. There’s often little legal recourse to remove material, once it’s been distributed.
Payton shared options that could help in some cases:
- Hire an attorney to write a cease and desist letter. It can be expensive, but may help stop the spread of sensitive pictures or video.
- File a police report, to document the crime.
- Report abusive postings to social media sites like Twitter and Instagram to get the images removed. Expect the process to be time consuming.
- Keep the evidence, in case the material resurfaces later and criminal charges or legal action needs to be taken. Payton recommends storing the evidence in a hard copy file, or thumb drive in a safe, secure place; not in a cloud or internet-based storage system.
Payton also recommends talking to your children about digital and internet boundaries. Certain cell phone providers allow blocking of pictures and videos.
Sometimes, a conversation also needs to be had with the parents of your child’s friends, if inappropriate behavior is discovered.
If your child becomes a victim of sexting, Payton and Harmon recommend supporting the child through what can be a traumatic experience.
Sometimes children change schools to start fresh. Professional help or guidance may be needed, says Harmon.
The Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers tips for parents to teach their children about the dangers of sexting, click here to read more.
Payton also writes more about what parents can do on her blog about cyber security and in related stories with WBTV.
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