A legislative study committee is prepared to analyze options for reform of Indiana’s sexting laws. The group will look into making teens sexting a juvenile offense, instead of a child pornography charge.The Chicago Tribune reports that the committee hopes to iron out some policy issues in the proposed legislation that “have not been thought through”. The study committee is to meet and report over the summer.
Sexting between teens, the act of sending explicit photos via mobile phone or computer, is an act that is considered exchange and distribution of child pornography, under current Indiana laws. Felony criminal charges can result, as well as status as a registered sex offender.
Most people intuitively understand that this kind of behavior between 16 year olds, while regrettable and dangerous, doesn’t meet the same criminal standard as adults exploiting children.
Proposed reforms could create a separate juvenile charge that can be dealt with in juvenile courts. The juvenile justice system emphasizes education and gives kids a chance to escape the burden of a permanent criminal record as an adult.