Student Warns Politicians Sexting Amongst Young People Is 'Out Of Control'
The modern age means that more people are connected than ever and that means social norms, like sex and how people have sex, have transformed online and that's especially the case for younger people. Sexting has become one of the most popular forms of 'cyber sex' and it's considered a growing trend amongst the youth of the world.
One fifth-year student from Kildare is concerned that the 'casual thing" of sexting is getting "out of control" as she spoke amongst a number of Irish students concerned with internet safety. Speaking to the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs, Lauren Reynolds who studies at Newbridge College in Kildare voiced her concern that teenagers are not aware of the legalities surrounding nude images:
...Very few teenagers are aware of the legalities surrounding nude images, which can be classified as child exploitation material...I personally believe this issue is becoming out of control and a popular trend due to the lack of education and information provided to young people...I believe we can help prevent and tackle this issue by raising awareness and being taught about the dangers of sexting in school.
The Irish Independent spoke to Cork barrister Brian Hallissey who said young people who sext are liable for three offenses: creating, possessing and distributing child pornography. As it currently stands, the law makes no allowances for underage sexting which can carry a maximum sentence of up to 14 years in prison. A person under the age of 18 can be prosecuted for sexting under the current law and be added to the sex offenders register. In America rules around sexting have been implemented to allow for two teenagers to sext and Hallissey agrees that Ireland is lax when it comes to internet safety:
In Ireland, we haven't done anything yet...I'm not aware of any prosecutions that have come before Irish courts yet, but currently there are no allowances under existing legislation. You would either be relying on a prosecutor not to prosecute or the discretion of the judge if it goes to court.
According to a report by Zeeko, an internet safety start-up company, nearly half of sixth-year students have sent suggestive messages and 35% of people sent a snap. Boys are more likely to sext and 56% of male teenagers had spoken to people that don't know online.