ACLU Criticizes State Sexting Bill

 

Anchor: Sexting, or sending nude or explicit photos with cell phones is a growing trend among teens.

 

Anchor: Indeed, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would define punishments for sexting... but as FOX43's Craig Layne explains some say it's not the right move.

 

Layne on cam: Felony child porn charges have been filed recently against several teens caught sexting all over the country. If they're convicted, that could mean they'll be listed as sex offenders for the rest of their lives. A new bill aims to change that-but there is some opposition to this proposed solution...

 

Layne: One cell phone click... and a kid can become a criminal.

 

Andy Hoover, ACLU Legislative Director: Kids who engage in this behavior are acting irresponsibly, but not necessarily criminally. 

 

Layne: A state house bill being considered would make sexting a misdemeanor. But the ACLU says the bill is a case of the government overstepping its bounds - having lifelong consequences for teens caught sexting.

 

Andy Hoover: It would be difficult for them to apply to college, apply for financial aid, get a job, enlist in the military, so a misdemeanor charge for kid is no small thing, it has a major impact on their lives.

 

Layne: Dr. Rollyn Ornstein is an adolescent medicine physician. She says sexting is the result of a powerful mixture of technology and hormones.

 

Dr. Rollyn Ornstein, MD, Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital: Part of that process has to do with some sexual experimentation, exploration, and historically teenagers have been doing things like that. This is not new.

 

Layne: Ornstein says she cautions her teenage patients about sexting.

 

Dr. Ornstein: They should be counseled and educated. They should not have criminal records.

 

Layne: The bill’s chief sponsors say there have to be consequences for sexting

 

Rep. Seth Grove (R) 196th District, It’s a common sense approach. You don’t want to say go ahead and do it because really you’re promulgating child pornography.

 

Layne: The state’s District Attorneys Association supports the bill. The group says making sexting a misdemeanor is the best compromise.

 

Mike Piecuch, PA District Attorneys Association: It can be expunged. It allows consent decree through juvenile court systems so there is no record, but it has to be addressed. We can’t look the other way.

 

Layne: Dr. Ornstein says parents need to talk to their kids before they get cell phones, Craig Layne, FOX43 News at 10.