Any country or state that defines their pornographic laws needs to define the boundaries that exist around that certain act. For sexting, it is essential to first of all establish what is considered as sexting in the state of Virginia. Basically the most important role in these boundaries is that of age. As sexting is considered a common thing with in many age groups, it is specifically defined that minors who are 18 or below are considered to be within the boundaries that these laws define. As children of these age groups create and distribute videos and image of themselves and others, they come under the acts of child pornography and its possession which is one of the most serious offence in the state of Virginia.
Furthermore, these cases are made complicated if either harassment is also involved like bullying and coercion etc. or one of the individuals is above the age of 18 and is in possession of the minor’s sexual images. Even if the pictures are shared with consent, it is still considered a felony because the child is under 18 and hence a minor. Students who are caught sexting and charged guilty are also possibly expelled from their institutions, face backlash from not only their community but also from universities and colleges who reject their applications straight away and their career prospects are heavily damaged. Once their name is on the sexual offenders list, it is easy for hiring companies to search their history and data and then blacklist them hence ruining any chances they have of a professionally successful future.
The involvement of third parties in these cases have dire consequences if found guilty of forwarding or even possessing a pornographic image of a child under 18. The best way for such people to protect themselves as recommended by the law is to not delete the evidence of receiving that data. Furthermore they are encouraged to inform their parents, guardians or teachers or any form of authorities who can help them prove their innocence and take away any charges against them.
The law also gives further guidance so as to how one can keep themselves safe from anything involving this misdemeanor by urging people to stay away from talking to or even responding to strangers online. Furthermore they are discouraged to share personal details and information like home address, parents names, school address etc. so that predators online cannot misuse that. They are also urged not to share their passwords as well as bank information online and never meet anyone in person whom they initially met online. Only through extreme caution and care can one avoid being caught up in the middle of these scandals.
Even though, it is a fine line to tread, however if one makes these things a habit then they are not that hard to follow and especially considering they help make sure no one’s rights are being violated, one can convince themselves to compromise for the greater good of the people and the children specially.
VA Sexting and Child Pornography Laws – call us at 888-437-7747.