Editor's note: This article has been corrected. See below.
"Wat up QT? Not wearin n e thing. Want a pic?"
These text messages were from an unidentified cell phone and an anonymous cell phone owner.
Who am I kidding? These are from my cell phone. Sorry, Mom.
Cell phones can do just about anything: check e-mail, MySpace, play music and get you charged with possession of child pornography.
Well, only if you're under the age of 18, and sexting.
Sexting is sending or receiving sexually explicit text messages and nude pictures to another person, according to nbcwashington.com. Technology nerds can finally get some.
Six students, ranging from 14 years old to 16 years old, from Greenville, Penn., face child pornography charges after three girls allegedly sent nude photos to their male friends, according to msnbc.com. One of the boys had is cell phone confiscated by his teacher, who later found the nude pictures in the boy's phone.
What? Aren't cell phones private properties? How could ya, teach?
There isn't a minimum sentence in Pennsylvania for violating the law, but under federal law, these kids might have to register as sex offenders for 10 years, according to msnbc.com
The federal law concerning child pornography states it is illegal to produce, possess, receive and distribute images of minors engaged in sexual conduct, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Web site.
Kids charged with kiddy porn? Seems redundant to me.
OK, so they violated the law. But child pornography charges are serious. A nice expulsion or suspension wouldn't teach kids that getting freaky with their phones is wrong.
If this doesn't scream, "Let's make an example of the over-sexed kids," I don't know what does.
When these kids reach the ripe old age of 24 and go out trying to get a job and an apartment, this incident is going to come up in a background check. Can you say, "screwed"?
I'm no lawyer, but Patrick Artur, Philadelphia district attorney, agrees with me. He said state and federal child pornography laws are meant to protect kids from "dirty old men in raincoats," according to msnbc.com.
These kids still deserve a punishment, though. Sending naked pictures of yourself or even sexually explicit texting is dangerous.
People can send them to whomever they want, then everyone and their mom has seen your goodies and your freak-nasty side. If the pictures get on the Internet, it doesn't go away. Ever.
This warning goes out to my fellow adult peers as well. Be careful who you engage in textual intercourse with and, please, make sure they're of age. Although STDs and pregnancy aren't a possibility, damaged dignity and pride are.
Not to mention possible violation of decency laws.
Imagine you're standing in line at Safeway. Suddenly your phone rings and you receive a nice flash of flesh in a text message. A nun sees it over your shoulder. Yes, nuns shop at Safeway, too. She's offended, and you just became indecent.
California's decency law states that any person who willfully or lewdly exposes themselves or any private parts in a public place or where people can be offended or annoyed is in violation of the law, according to leginfo.ca.gov.
The decency law is vague. Who knows if openly sextually active adults will be subject to punishment?
Instead of giving out felonies and misdemeanors to horny sexting teenagers or adults sexting in public, take away their snazzy cell phones for two years.
Not having a cell phone at all would be a death sentence, plus, how else could you call 911 when you've fallen and can't get up? All offenders would be forced to use a Jitterbug.
Not familiar with the Jitterbug?
Its Web site describes it as "the best big-button phone for seniors." Amenities include a padded earpiece for comfort and hearing aid compatibility.
Two years with the Jitterbug and you'll never attract a sexting partner again.
Sexting follows the same social rules as picking your nose. Don't do it public and if your mom catches you, you'll get smacked.
Carla Hansen can be reached at: chansen@theorion. com
The article incorrectly identified Patrick Artur as the Philadelphia district attorney. He is, in fact, the former district attorney. The Orion's reporters strive for accuracy. We recognize that mistakes will occur, but we treat every error very seriously. If you feel a correction needs to be made, e-mail the managing editor at managingeditor@theorion.com
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