Father tells KRCG News he found out the hard way his daughter was involved.
JEFFERSON CITY -- It only takes an instant to send but the effects of a 'sext' can last forever.
And while sexting is nothing new, a recent study shows more teens are taking part.
It's something Steve, a dad from Jefferson City, found out the hard way. About a year ago, when his daughter was only sixteen, he discovered her boyfriend had been sending sexually explicit photos of himself to her cell phone.
He asked that we didn't identify him for the interview.
"If you think your child's not doing it, don't be surprised if they are,” Steve said.
But at the time he was surprised. His daughter got good grades and was active at school, and hardly seemed like the type to get wrapped up in something like sexting.
Experts say the practice is becoming more common. A new poll shows many teens are turning to text messaging to flirt, some against their better judgment.
The Associated Press found that three in 10 young people admitted to sending or receiving nude 'sext' messages, with over 60 percent of those who sent a nude photo saying they were pressured into it.
"Once that digital photo is out, you have no control of it whatsoever,” Cole County Sheriff Greg White said.
It's an issue White takes seriously. He urges parents to take action against sexting.
"Remember that many, many romantic relationships with teenagers are very short-term,” White said. “Sexting gives them long-term significance."
Sexting is treated as child pornography and the first offense could land a teen behind bars or eventually on the sex offender registry.
"It could be serious if anyone over 17 is sending pornographic materials or images to minors,” Cole County Prosecutor Mark Richardson said.
Both men advise checking your kids cell phone and know where they're going on line. Have an honest talk with them on the dangers of sexting.
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