As sexting gains popularity among teenagers in New Zealand, many of them are unaware they could be breaking the law.

Youngsters under the age of 16 who produce sexual images of a young person are doing something which is against the law in New Zealand. According to the Department of Internal Affairs it does not matter who is doing it or whether it’s voluntary or not, the issue is whether the image itself is objectionable. If caught, sexters can potentially be charged under three laws in New Zealand. The most serious under the Films, Video and Classifications Act which comes with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.

A recent survey found one in five US teenagers had engaged in sexting. No information is available in New Zealand but experts claim the numbers are similar.

Source: Concerns over Kiwi teens "sexting" , TVNZ, December 28, 2009

Tags: New Zealand, legislation, sexting