Image via Complex Original
We have a terrible problem in this country. Parents are too worried about their children sexting. If these parents don't stop overreacting about sexting, where will it end? Will they censor the song lyrics their kids post on Facebook? Will they ground their children for sending sensual emojis? Complex investigates.
Sadly, in many states, outdated child pornography laws sometimes result in teenage girls being handed criminal charges for sending risqué photos to their boyfriends. In one case, two married adults employed as police officers lost their jobs for sexting ... each other. We all know that parents don’t understand technology, but when their technological idiocy results in turning traditional flirting into crime, someone needs to step in.
Today, we aim to end the national epidemic of parents freaking out about technology they don’t understand. We want them to realize how ridiculous they look. We want them to know that sexting is pretty much the same thing as making out in the back of an empty school bus or flashing a boy after soccer practice. This is the same shit that they did when they were kids, except now there’s the Internet. If you don’t agree with us, we’re certain you will after you see The 10 Most Irrational News Reports About Sexting.
Woman Describes Shock To Learn Son Was Sexting
Date: July 2012
Station: KMBC Kansas City
KMBC's investigative journalists interviewed a mother about how she felt when it was discovered that her own children were sexting. Though you really need to watch the entire interview to capture the gravity of the situation, here are few choice quotes, "For all I knew he was listening to music or playing a game or something;" "I need him to be scared;" and "I don't think I need to be a private eye for him. I just need to trust him." One thing she said rang true, "This isn't a joke." Sadly, it isn't a joke, even if it should be.
Police Investigate Teen Sexting Ring
Date: October 2013
Station: NBC 7 San Diego
They kept the interns busy on this one. You have a solid thirty second montage of fingers texting b-roll. Damn. That is some documentary level shit. But this hard-hitting report doesn't stop there. They go on to offer some "sexting prevention tips" like "Understand the Technology" (impossible for parents) and "Lay Out House Rules." No sexting until you finish your homework young lady.
Sexting: "It's Become Kind of A Sexual Norm"
Date: April 2014
Station: WTVR Richmond, Virginia
As a newscaster trying to use scare tactics, apparently you have to use props and work in the word "expert" as often as possible. If you're talking about a cellphone, wave an iPhone around. If you are spewing bullshit, cite studies semi-relevant. Reporter Jake Burns really kills it with his final words, "Talking to our kids about sexting can be awkward, but parents should not let that stop them from missing out on a teachable moment." That's right parents: never miss out on a teachable moment, even if you have no idea what you're talking about.
6 Teens Charged in Sexting Case
Date: November 2012
Station: KCCI Des Moines, Iowa
That graphic design is dope as Hell. Those silhouettes of teen girls evoke mystery and danger. That flip phone looks like a true instrument of crime. Yes, the graphics are next level, but this newscast doesn't stop there. They drop some statistics on us. Did you know that 70% of sexting is a "Boy/Girl scenario" and that "18% of boys feel pressure to sext?" Call Nate Silver folks, these are some hard-hitting stats.
Cellphones Seized Amid Sexting Scandal at Walpole High School
Date: February 2014
Station: WCVB Boston
"Detectives spent much of their day at [Walpole] High School today." Yeah, that's exactly what you dream of when you decide to become a police officer, pouring over adolescent text messages. This exposè got real serious; they even modulated a girl's voice so she could be protected from the bullying by these roving bands of sexters. Not only were taxpayer dollars wasted on this investigation, but apparently it is still ongoing. "Cell phones have been seized" and at the time of the report "warrants had been issued." Your girl Julie does her best to add gravity to the situation with her sad concerned newscaster face. Cool it girl; managing to keep a straight face would have been impressive enough. No need to overachieve.
Barrington Middle School Officials React to "Sexting" Incident Among Students
Date: April 2014
Station: CBS 2 Chicago
According to anchor Kate Sullivan, this is breaking news: "A small group of students have been taking inappropriate photos with their camera phones and sharing the naughty photos with each other." The people of Chicago clearly have no more pressing news to worry about. Thank god they sent a note home to parents to notify them, as dinner conversation just wasn't awkward enough before. Much respect to the teacher interviewed who does his best to say absolutely nothing, and clearly thinks this whole thing is bullshit.
Cell Phone Spy Helps Uncover "Sexting" Scandal
Date: March 2009
Station: KOLR Missouri / Arkansas
Parents want to be involved in every aspect of their kids' lives, but unfortunately, they spend the lion's share of their time away from the nest. What is a concerned mother to do? Luckily, Brick House Security offers an array of "Family Tracking" products for the overzealous parent hiding within every sane parent. Brick House's products can retrieve every text your teen has ever sent, even the one's they deleted ... you heard that right, even the ones they deleted. Of course, you won't be able to retrieve their hopes for a normal childhood, but if you're purchasing Brick House's products, that hope was lost long ago. Child psychologist Glena Weiss suggests "you could ruin your relationship with your child" with this approach. To which we say, "no shit."
Leaders Hope Anti-Sexting Video Shown In Schools Will Help Halt A Disturbing Trend
Date: December 2013
Station: WSOC 9 Charlotte
There's only one way to stop the raging hormones of puberty: peer-created PSAs. In Charlotte, schools are fighting sexting in the way that students are most sure to mock: fellow students (a.k.a. nerds) are making anti-sexting PSAs. There are some amazing dramatic re-enactments by the thespians of this South Carolina high school which make this video worth a watch. Though we're sure these videos changed many young hearts and minds, there are other weapons being deployed. Parents will also receive an email. That's right: an email. That means things are getting serious.
KC Teen's Partially Nude Photo Raises Sexting Red Flags
Date: March 2013
Station: KMBC Kansas City
That's right: semi-nude. This wasn't even a nude photo. This was a semi-nude photo. Essentially, a girl sent a photo of herself in a bathing suit to her boyfriend. Where this video falls short in content, it gains traction in terms of form. Our fearless reporter addresses the camera through her phone, making a meta-commentary on the alienation and fear we feel in modern society that results in the need to create and view local news items about sexting.
Waukesha Police Officer Resigns After Being Caught Sexting On the Job
Date: March 2014
Station: WISN Milwaukee
The problem isn't just in schools folks. This goes to the highest level. A police officer sent a risqué picture to another consenting adult, his wife, also a police officer. They both lost their jobs, even though no criminal charges have been filed in either investigation, largely because that would be fucking ridiculous. And the newscast was outraged ... that the police officers didn't answer their door for comment.
