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Sexting is becoming more and more common with middle school and high school children. But, parents often don't know about their kids' behavior, because there has been a culture-shift not many people recognize or admit. Juvenile sexting is not only destructive; it is illegal in many cases. If a nude photo is shared, the teenagers involved could face serious criminal charges in Denver, Adams, or El Paso County.

Juvenile Sexting is More Common than You Think

Sexting among underage teens is more common that most parents want to admit. According to a study published in the Journal of Sexuality Research and Social Policy, done by the Drexel University, more than 50% of the students admitted to sexting when they were in high school. Of these, almost 30% said the sexting included photos. The most telling statistic? Of the students who admitted to sexting in their younger years, over 60% said they didn't know the photos they shared could be considered child pornography.

Juvenile Sexting: Nude Photos are a Crime

Sexting among teenagers is widespread. And, most kids don't know that when nude photos are involved, they could face serious criminal charges of a sexual nature. In Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas County, and across Colorado, sexting is charged under statute 18-6-403 – Sexual Exploitation of a Child. Normally, it is charged when a person is found to be distributing or in possession of child pornography. What most people fail to realize, is that when teens sext, they are creating child porn. Sexual Exploitation of a Child ranges from a class 3 to a class 6 felony sex offense, which means a person convicted or adjudicated for this crime would be required to undergo sex offender treatment and register as a sex offender.

How Do I Know if My Teen is Sexting?

Odds are, your child is sexting, or has received an unsolicited nude image. In today's day and age, children are joining in the sexting revolution at younger and younger ages. Earlier this month, a ten-year-old boy was caught sexting. As a parent, it can be difficult to know for sure if your child is sexting, however. The lingo is different today. Here is a list of common texting lingo to give you an insight into your child's life on the phone.

Common Texting / Sexting Lingo:

1. MPFB: My Personal F*** Buddy
2. IWSN: I Want Sex Now
3. GNOC: Get Naked On Cam
4. 53X: Sex
5. KPC: Keeping Parents Clueless
   

   Know the signs that your child is sexting, and protect them from criminal charges!

6. GYPO: Get Your Pants Off
7. NIFOC: Nude In Front Of The Computer
8. pron: Porn
9. Q2C: Quick to Cum
10. S2R: Send to Receive
11. TDTM: Talk Dirty To Me
12. 8: It means ate, but can also refer to oral sex
13. 9 – CD9: Parents watching, or are around
14. ASL: Age/Sex/Location
15. MOOS: Member Of The Opposite Sex
16. MOSS: Member Of The Same Sex
17. RUH: Are You Horny?

Juvenile Sexting: Contact a Lawyer if your Child has been Charged

If you believe your child is engaged in sexting or chatting online inappropriately, take action immediately. Sit them down and talk with them. Let them know their behavior can end with criminal charges, shame (if the images are released to the public), and broken relationships. Be understanding and compassionate – often, kids are peer pressured into sexting, and don't feel good about their decision. If you believe your child has sent or received a nude or sexually explicit photo, contact a sex crimes defense lawyer at our office immediately. Protect your child's future!

Request a Free Consultation

If your child has been charged with a crime after sexting, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your child's future.