TRENTON — A bill that would put first time underage "sexters" into an educational program, instead of facing prosecution, passed the full Assembly today 78-0. The measure is intended to teach teens the consequences of sending and receiving nude and semi-nude images, without leaving a mark on their permanent records. "We want to make sure these kids know that...
A 2010 file photo of a person texting with their mobile device. Juveniles charged with posting or sending pornographic images on the internet would be eligible for an educational program under a bill that was unanimously passed by the Assembly.TRENTON — A bill that would put first time underage "sexters" into an educational program, instead of facing prosecution, passed the full Assembly today 78-0.
The measure is intended to teach teens the consequences of sending and receiving nude and semi-nude images, without leaving a mark on their permanent records.
"We want to make sure these kids know that they did something wrong," without giving them a record, said sponsor Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden).
Its Senate counterpart is awaiting a committee hearing.
Under the measure, the attorney general’s office would create a program to teach teens about the criminal penalties and social consequences of sending or receiving nude or semi-nude images through their cell phones or computers. Included would be lessons on how the uniqueness of the Internet can produce long-term and unforeseen consequences after photographs are posted and the connection between cyber-bullying and the posting of sexual images.
Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Union) stood in support of the bill. It sends a message to the judiciary that when juveniles make a mistake, the legislature wants to "give them a chance, give them an option other than a criminal past."
Previous coverage:
• N.J. Assembly to vote on bill allowing 'sexting' teens to avoid charges
• N.J. bill would create education program on criminal, social consequences of sexting
• Bill advances that would make N.J. juveniles charged with 'sexting' eligible for educational program
• N.J. Legislature to weigh allowing teens caught 'sexting' to enter diversionary program
• Legislature to hear measure aimed at cracking down on 'sexting' by teens
• Layoff notices, sexting, farm markets to be discussed at Assembly hearing