Durham police warns teens about the dangers of sexting after nudes found
Posted December 9, 2015 7:39 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Durham police are warning teenagers about the dangers of sexting after a nude photo of a girl was circulated by a male classmate.
Police say officers in Whitby and Oshawa are investigating up to 10 instances of sexting (texting sexually explicit messages), and the age of the accused is alarming: they’re all between 13 and 15 years old.
Police say the investigation began last month, when a parent brought it to their attention. More photos were found.
They’re warning the public making and sharing nude photos of minors is a serious crime with consequences for everyone involved.
In this particular case, the teens have started diversion contracts, similar to probation, with police. But if the teens don’t hold up their end of the bargain, criminal charges may follow.
Because of the age of the people involved, police warn that child pornography charges are possible.
Police say that “child pornography includes naked or semi-naked sexual pictures or video of a person under 18. It is illegal to view, keep, send, post or take such pictures or videos. Parents are being asked to speak to their teens about the dangers of taking and sharing nude photographs, even between friends. Once sent, the images could be shared with others and even posted online.”
So far, no charges have been laid.
