Sexting, wtf? Yes, most of us are guilty.

Urban Dictionary says sexting is “a term created by the media referring to sending sexually explicit text messages. The term is used by adults who are out of the loop, and not by the individuals actually sending the messages.”

Whether you decide to show a little skin or the full monty, more and more people, especially teenagers, are sending sexually suggestive photos through text messages. Teenagers as young as 11 and 12 are getting in trouble and the law is coming down hard on these prepubescents.

I’m a big fan of Law and Order SVU, and last night’s episode drew inspiration from the sudden up rise of sexting between high schoolers. The truth is, underage teenagers are now being prosecuted for the distribution of child pornography. That sexy little picture text message can land them in a world of trouble and tag them with the label of “sex offender.”

There are many different standpoints when it comes to sexting. The concerned parents and law officials are looking after the safety of their children and future generations. The teenage girls mean no harm, and in most cases only think that their boyfriends will see the photos.

Let’s get inside the mind of teenagers. Brandon and Jennifer seem like the typical high school couple. They’ve been in a somewhat healthy relationship for the past 6 months. One day Brandon asks Jennifer to send him a sexy photo. Bored out of her mind and not thinking twice, she drops down to her skivvies and poses like a Playmate centerfold. When Brandon receives the photo, he’s excited; naked photo of his girl, taken just for him, every boys’ fantasy fulfilled via text. Now, what to do with that photo?

Several things can come out of just that one photo alone. Brandon can show his football buddies or keep it to himself. Chances are he’ll probably show it to at least one person. If Brandon does decide to show off his babe of a girlfriend, he might even be stupid enough to share the love via forwarded picture message. Imagine how Jennifer will feel once she finds out that the varsity football team has seen her goodies. At the fragile age of 17, Jennifer has a head start to a wonderful career in the adult industry.

I understand how young girls think that it’s not a big deal. “So K.Marie, have you done it?” Think about this: have YOU sent a sexually suggestive photo via text message, chat, email etc? If you have answered yes, then we’re all criminals. Did we intend to get caught? Did we think that anybody else would see it? Did we mean any harm by taking the photos? The answer is no, no, and definitely no.

Think about it, from all perspectives. Is there any just punishment for sexting? Or should teenagers be punished in the first place? Many states have already dealt with this issue, such as Vermont and Ohio. Bills have been brought up with the hopes of tackling this issue…

To legalize or not to legalize? That is the question.