New Arizona Law Makes Sexting = Shoplifting

Last month the Arizona House passed a bill that makes minors sending or possessing sexts to another minor a class two misdemeanor. Those in support say this is an important move as the law is the first in the state specific to the crime. Prior to this law the only thing applicable to prosecute on would be a general child pornography charge. Sending explicit pictures between two adults remains legal under the new law.

Chris Segrin, UA department head of communication and psychology professor says that the consequences when caught sexting underage are similar to that shoplifting. Court can even be avoided if an underage naughty texter goes through minor participates in a 90-day diversion program, which can include counseling, community service or life-skills training.

Segrin says, “Only about 10 percent of the people that do it end up getting caught doing it, and these are minors." While it is certain that the new law will increase the amount of prosecutions towards these types of cases, it is unlikely that it will reduce the amount that teens partake in the activity.