TRENTON — The Assembly is set to vote on a bill that would let some teenagers caught texting or posting sexually explicit photos online avoid prosecution if they complete a diversionary program. The bill is for first-time "sexting" offenders who use their cell phones or computers to send or post lewd photos. It's a nationwide problem that has confounded...
This 2009 file photo shows Tyler Barnett beginning to write a text message on his cell phone in Los Angeles. Teens and texting is a subject that's often discussed in pathological terms. They're sexting! They're texting in class! They're running up cell phone bills! They're injuring their thumbs! But in some families, the biggest problem with teens and texting is parents trying to figure out what the heck their kids are saying. TRENTON — The Assembly is set to vote on a bill that would let some teenagers caught texting or posting sexually explicit photos online avoid prosecution if they complete a diversionary program.
The bill is for first-time "sexting" offenders who use their cell phones or computers to send or post lewd photos. It's a nationwide problem that has confounded parents, school administrators and law enforcers.
Prosecutors in several states including Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Wisconsin have tried to stop "sexting" by charging teens who send and receive the pictures.
New Jersey Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt of Camden, who is sponsoring the bill, says it's important to teach teens the potential consequences of their actions — not saddle them with a permanent criminal record.
The state Senate hasn't taken up the measure yet.