Parents of 'sexting' teens to be punished
Interesting move in Texas.....
Would you agree with this ? I personaly think its a good idea. It makes the parents more accountable for the actions of their offspring..
BUT - parents can't watch over them 24 X 7 ..
What say you ?
Parents of 'sexting' teenagers can now be punished in Texas
The Texas Legislature brought in the measure and it immediately received the support of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott after it was introduced by State Senator Kirk Watson.
Sexting is now a Class C misdemeanour and will require a court appearance for the teenage violator.
A judge will also be allowed to 'sentence' the teen's parent and force them to participate in an education program on sexting's long-term harmful consequences.
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy report in 2008 estimated that 22 percent of teen girls said they have electronically sent or posted online nude or semi-nude images of themselves.
Senator Watson said: 'This bill's legal provisions ensure that minors are punished for their improper behavior, but do not face life altering criminal charges.'
The law would also allow teens who successfully adhere to the court's requirements - which includes completing an ‘education program’ about the consequences of sexting - to petition to have the misdemeanor offense expunged from their records
Daily Mail
If you read the article, the new measure is actually giving the kids a break. under the existing legislation, they would be prosecuted for a felony - possessing or trafficking child pornography.
http://lonestartexasnews.com/pages/9145829.php?contentType=4&contentId=7619280
Ridiculous... 1984 or what
I think the state here (Texas) may just be too wary now of such proliferation of sexting! It could reduce if not totally eradicate such bad behaviors of some teen-agers!
let's punish everybody for everything!!!!!!
Let's put a zit on the bum of everyone,,,,
what a bunch!
:)
I'm married remember :O)
oops
children need privacy too.... wud u mind som1 recording u whole day..??
its possible - CCTV Camera :(
monitoring children 24X7 is impossible...
Stupid law..
Sometimes I think some of the law makers in some places get bored and then spend their time thinking up stupid rules to amuse themselves.
Government is unnecessarily intruding into private affairs of people. They are becoming like the Soviets! Soon they will forget democracy!
How ridiculous. Unless the texts are sent to someone who doesn't want them, (which would be harrsement and therefore a crime) why not just leave these people alone.
the judge found guilty who will punish him :(
Sam18550 ;)
hey mangal we need ur opinion
Sentencing parents would only make sense if it were little kids up to all the "sexting" (shudders at the thought)but teenagers? No way...specially with the number of teens doing part time jobs and actually paying for their own phones. how can a parent be held responsible at all? didn't we all as teens do stuff our folks disapproved of without them having a clue?I can just imagine a kid has a fight with mom and wishes to have her arrested..what does he do? send a naughty text of cos.. a very unfair law I must say!
I would think most responsible parents would understand the harmful consequences of sexting and have probably warned their child, punishing them because they couldn't monitor their teenager 24/7 is a bit much.
However I agree that education classes is better than being recorded as a sex offender for the rest of your life.
Why haven't I receive any sext from girls till now?
May be I will have to get an Iphone now so that I can receive sexting too.
So what is better?
sexting? or sexing?
In sexing at least we wont have a sore thumb ;)
As the law stands today in Texas, anyone prosecuted for sexting can face felony charges of possessing or trafficking child pornography.
Under the ammendment, Judges would be authorized to sentence minors convicted of sexting – and one of the minor’s parents – to participate in an education program about sexting’s long-term harmful consequences. The new law would also allow teens to apply to the court to have the sexting offense expunged from their records.
So, in a way its better for the teens. (see link)
http://lonestartexasnews.com/pages/9145829.php?contentType=4&contentId=7619280
I agree with Pilgram. This is a rather strange move.
While I think that it being a 'misdemeanour' requiring court appearance makes sense, why 'sentence' the parents?! The typical teenager would probably rub their hands in glee if they managed to shake up their parents a little :-/
But as a parent how can you be responsible for monitoring your teenagers every move? Especially what they text? Sexting and it's aftermath is more a result of peer pressure than lack of parental guidance, it would be like charging the parent if their child tried smoking.
Valid point. However, there have been many cases where "sexting" has been used to stalk and also explicit pictures have been forwarded without the originator's knowledge.
I agree that Texas usually goes overboard, but some control is neccessary.
I think it's a bit ridiculous. Yes parents need to be responsible for their kids, but we're talking about teenagers here, and teenagers will purposely do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING they can to piss off their parents, no matter how good the parents are.
britey atleast now stop texting me ur pic in Pink Thong with a seductive look....:(
It is happening much more than you think.. Perhaps we are out of touch with the times :O(
Why would anyone even WANT to text / send nude or semi nude pics of themselves...very odd behaviour!