The Illinois House of Representatives has decided to lift some penalties for teenagers who engage in sexting. Minors who send nude photos of other minors taken on cell phones will no longer be required to register as sex offenders. Instead, they could be punished with court-ordered supervision or community service.

According to a recent national survey, 48 percent of teenagers have received sexual text messages or emails, while 39 percent have sent or posted sexual photos online.

The main purpose of the legislation is to create awareness among parents about sexting, while preserving the ability to prosecute those whose intent is to create child pornography even if they're under 18.

Source: Illinois House lessens penalty for sexting, Wikinews, March 13, 2010

Tags: Sexting, legislation, Illinois, US