Sexting among teens and tweens is a relatively new phenomenon, and many state legislatures are still trying to determine what to do about it. Because of this, laws concerning sexting vary widely. These can be nude or semi-nude images or just explicit texts. Typically, sexting occurs via text message, but any electronic transfer fits the definition — emailing, sending Instagram DMs, Snapchat selfies, and even TikTok messages.

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This teen phenomenon on the rise and one in four teens have sexted. Has Yours?
Available 24 Hours a Day. But what about sexting? Who is guilty of what? However, several cases over the last few years brought a lot of attention to the issue. For example, was it teens with overactive imaginations who were taking flirting too far? Or was it really a case of intentional distribution of child pornography?
New Jersey’s Teen Sexting Law
Nearly 20 teenagers and one adult were arrested after a sexting investigation at a local high school. Teitelman Middle School, both in Cape May, New Jersey, were alerted by a female student that naked pictures of her friend were being texted to male students around the school. Police seized and analyzed 27 cell phones during the investigation. Officials say several nude and partially nude pictures of female students were exchanged between male students via text messages and social media. Police say 19 juveniles and one adult were charged with invasion of privacy in connection to the photos. It is imperative that these students understand the severity of their actions and the impact that their actions have on themselves, their victims, and the community. Students in other Cape May County schools should be aware that these actions are criminal and can lead to prosecution. Skip to content.
Get the best NJ events, festivals, concerts and activities for families delivered straight to your inbox. One month earlier, a year-old West Orange boy and a year-old Little Falls girl were each charged with distributing child pornography after their explicit conversations surfaced. According to the authorities, the boy sent nude pictures and sexually explicit videos of his ex-girlfriend to the girl.