Parents Urged To Help Stop 'Sexting'

With Gov. Lincoln Chafee's signing of a law that prohibits "sexting" — sending sexually explicit pictures over cell phones — Johnston Police are informing local kids and parents about the new rules.

Under the new law, people under the age of 18 can be charged with a "status offense" in Family Court if they transmit sexually explicit images of themselves.

Minors found guilty of sexting in Family Court cannot be prosecuted under Rhode Island’s child pornography statutes — however, Atty. Gen Peter Kilmartin recently announced that minors who send images of other minors can be prosecuted under state pornography laws, and may be required to register as a sex offender.

Johnston Police Det. Richard Almonte said there have been a couple of isolated cases of sexting in Johnston before the new law was passed.

In those instances, Almonte said, local officers consulted with the attorney general’s office to determine how to proceed.

Almonte explained that making sexting a status crime puts it in the same realm of truancy. While he said he is happy that the law was passed, sexting is now considered a minor violation — not an arrestable offense.

“I wish the law had more teeth to it,” said Almonte. “I wish it would have been a misdemeanor crime.”

Almonte said he thinks if Family Courts are inundated with minors being charged with the sexting statute, the violation might be upgraded to the level of a misdemeanor.

“We will have to wait and see,” he said.

When the middle and high school students return to school in September, Almonte said the Johnston Police School Resource Officers plan to hold assemblies to address the subject of sexting and explain the charges students could face if they choose to send such messages

Almonte said it’s important to emphasize the impact that sending a "sext message" or posting explicit images online can have on a child’s life.

Kilmartin recently released an "Internet and Cell Phone Use Agreement" that he encouraged parents to discuss and sign with their kids. A copy of the agreement, which is based on one created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, is attached to this article.

In a statement, Kilmartin said: "In today’s world, many people choose to communicate via the Internet and cell phones. Youth especially have embraced new technologies such as text messaging, social networking sites, and digital cameras to share information and connect with friends. However, without proper guidance, these types of communication technologies can be dangerous to a child’s physical and psychological well-being."

For more information about the new law, visit the Rhode Island Attorney General's Internet use web page.