Most kids have cell phones. Most cell phones take and receive photo messages. The only way for you to check whether your kids are taking or receiving photos with their cell phones is to monitor the monthly telephone bill (which will identify only the number of photo messages sent or received) and to regularly review what is on the actual cell phone.
Even if you've never before asked to review your child's cell phone, now is the time. Ask your child how to enter the password and how to review text and photo messages. Ask to be shown how to take a photo and video using the cell phone's camera feature . The reason for my concern is a new trend where kids are taking and sending nude photos of themselves to other kids they know. These photos of underage children in various stages of undress may be considered child pornography! And if your child creates the photo, sends them to others or is even in possession of them, there may be legal ramifications!
Talk to your son or daughter about this issue. Make sure they know what to do if this trend comes to your town and school. Creating or possessing child pornography is a serious offensive, one that can cause no end of longterm complications. Can you imagine if your son or daughter had to register as a sex offender for the crime of taking a photo of themselves and sending to another child? It sounds absurd but that is just one possible outcome.
Original posting date: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 | 2:00 PM |