
Three junior high boys, ages 13 to14, are being investigated for texting each other a partially nude photo of a fellow student.
Representative Anastasia Pittman said the incident, also known as "sexting," could have the boys facing child pornography because of the way Oklahoma's laws are written.
Pittman said she wants to clarify the law by including things like age range so other young offenders won't be charged as adults and haunted for the rest of their lives.By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9
STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- Police are investigating several Stillwater Junior High students in Stillwater accused of texting each other a partially nude photo of a fellow student.
Representative Anastasia Pittman said it's possible that the young teens could be convicted of child pornography for sending a nude photo of a peer because of the way Oklahoma's laws are written. However, Pittman said she thinks it's time for change.
Statistics show 20 percent of teens admit to "sexting" or sending nude photos phone to phone. At Stillwater Junior High, 3 boys, ages 13 to14, are now accused of it.
"In today's society they need to know anything they do like that can stick with them for a lifetime," said Stillwater Police Captain Randy Dickerson.
Representative Anastasia Pittman said right now "sexting" among teens falls into Oklahoma's Indecent Exposure and Child Pornography laws that allow for penalties of jail time and a stint on the sex offender registry.
"The law is too vague. It really needs to be clarified," Pittman said. "It's a blanket. It doesn't give an age range."
Pittman said she wants clarification passed next session given what's happening in other states with our same laws.
"They're prosecuting middle school students, and it's unfortunate," Pittman said.
She said she believes students who "sext" should face consequences, but ones that are tempered with common sense saying the discipline powers need to come from parents not lawmakers.
"Check cell phone, regulate your children, talk to them," Pittman said. "If they're going to use technology be aware of the possible ramifications of it."
But the teens in Stillwater may end up learning their lesson the hard way.
"There could be charges filed, and the decision will be made after the interviews are concluded," Dickerson said.
Representative Pittman held a hearing on "sexting" last week and said she hopes to draft a bill by December.
So far, no Oklahoma teens have been prosecuted as adults for "sexting," but Pittman said the point is she wants to prevent it.
Comments Terms of Use: Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. In addition, by submitting a comment, you recognize that your comment may be read or discussed on one or more television news broadcasts on NEWS 9 and you consent to any such use. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
A former Marine faces six counts of first-degree murder in the fatal shootings of four people whose bodies were found inside a burning house. More>>
A local musician is offering her own form of health care to those in need. She's using her harp and its soothing melody to help patients at a metro hospital. More>>
All this week News On 6 reporter Ashli Sims has been following the health care reform bill. More>>
Investigators expect charges to be filed next week against a Nichols Hills doctors accused of fatally stabbing his 9-year-old son. More>>
The economic turmoil is taking its toll on Oklahoma. News9.com tracks unemployment and layoffs in the state. More>>
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department has announced a section on their Web site titled "Easy Check In" will now be available for those intending to attend H1N1 clinics. More>>
The Black Friday deals are normally released in the Thanksgiving Day ads, but some shoppers are getting a head start by looking online. More>>