ST. ALBANS, Vt. -
Sending naked pictures through their phones... teens all across the country are doing it.
And just recently a sexting scandal broke at the Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans.
After the illicit pictures spread like wildfire, police uncovered that 17 students, both girls and boys have been sending inappropriate picture messages on their cell phones.
I learned today that sexting is technically illegal, but it's unknown if the state will press charges.
For teens "texting" is part of the culture. They want to share everything! But sometimes too much! Sexting, or sending naked pictures of themselves, or someone else has exploded. At the Bellows Free Academy police say at least 17 students have shared nude photos. BFA senior Anna Hughes says she knows the people involved in the sexting scandal.
"Yea, they're players, definitely. They date a lot of people," Hughes said.
Hughes says it's hard to avoid the gossip in the halls. "I think it's just a group of these guys coming together, getting pictures of their girlfriends and sending them to everybody," she said.
Fortunately Hughes hasn't found herself in hot water. Primarily because she had the talk with her mom. "The thing that I try to point out most to her is that you don't know what this could do to your future," Jill Hughes said.
The reason the problem is growing so rapidly is simply because of technology. When I was in high school cell phones didn't even have cameras. Now, it's hard to find one that doesn't.
"Cameras and video cameras are everywhere these days," Lieutenant Ron Hoague said, of the St. Albans Police Department.
The Franklin County State's Attorney will consider whether to press charges.
"Once you get over 18, you're essentially possessing child pornography," Lt. Hoague said.
The school knows about the pictures but when I called the principal he said this isn't a story, and literally hung up on me. When I showed up at the school to ask more questions, I was asked to leave. The superintendent did call me back. She hopes this sexting scandal will now serve as a learning experience for everyone.
The superintendent also says the students won't be in any trouble at school... no suspension, detention or extra essays will be written... but the school is planning educate students on the issue.
