Sexting is the sending of sexually explicit photographs or messages via mobile phone. Ever-rising in popularity, sexting is a pandemic. No school in the U.S. is safe from its dangerous and long-lasting effects.

According to officials, there are serious consequences for any involvement in sexting.

• If you create a sexually explicit message, that's a felony. You can be charged for manufacturing child porn.
• If you receive a sext message, that's a felony and considered "possession of child pornography."
• If you send a sext message, it is considered dissemination and also charged as a felony.
• If you are charged with any of the counts, you could be forever listed on the sex offender registry.

Be aware of what your kids are sending via mobile devices. Talk openly with them about this issue and clearly explain your beliefs and expectations. When your children are requested to send naked pictures of themselves, they'll know what to do.

For more information on sexting, see P. Ferioli's blog post.