Prosecutors program takes on 'Sexting'

The Montgomery County authorities concerned about teens sending sexually explicit photographs to each other have started a diversion program in hopes teens will learn how dangerous it is to send or share the photos.

"Sexting" is where teens send nude picture of themselves to others with their cell phone. One study says one in five teens has sent or posted naked online pictures of themselves by using their cell phones.

Under Ohio law, sending or receiving naked pictures on your cell phone is a felony. That's why the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office unveiled a new program to combat this growing problem.

A student at Centerville High School said sexting is very popular. "It happens a lot. Everybody does it." He said many of his class mates, mostly girls, take nude pictures of themselves and then send the pictures to friends. "Then their boyfriends get mad at them and send them to all their friends and the pictures get all over the school."

Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck said this growing problem can get very dangerous if these pictures are posted on the internet.

"What our young people don't realize is what can happen and how these photos can be spread not only among cell phones, but the internet," Heck said. "There are all kinds of predators out there that can see them online."

That's why Heck unveiled the Juvenile Diversion Program. It's designed specifically for middle school and high school students.

If caught sexting, a teen will be under supervision for a minimum of six months and forfeit their cell phone for a period of time. They will be required to perform community service and attend at least four hours of appropriate education where they will learn about the legal ramifications of their actions and learn responsible cell phone use.

If a juvenile refuses or fails the program, then criminal charges could be filed. If they complete the program, pending charges would be dropped.

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