Letters sent to parents in Encinitas are warning them about specific cases of teens sending or receiving naked self-portraits via cell phone text messages.
At least two incidents have been reported in the San Dieguito Union High School District in the last two years. One happened at San Dieguito Academy and a second at Oak Crest Middle School. Both incidents involved girls sending naked pictures of themselves to boys.
"Let me give you an example that was close to one of my incidents," Deputy Tony O'Boyle said. "14-year-old Johnny takes a photo of himself naked and sends to 14-year-old girlfriend Jane. Jane keeps the photo in her phone. Technically under the California statute Johnny can be arrested for distribution of child pornography and Jane can be arrested for possession of child pornography."
Principal Terry Calen is also warning parents after an incident at Oak Crest Middle School.
"Back in November we were made aware by the parent of a girl who did send an inappropriate picture to a boy from her cell phone at home that ended up on a myspace page. This event did not occur at school and was dealt with by our resource officer, the parents and students involved," Calen said.
The school has not heard of any new cases.
Calen said students are not allowed to have their cell phones on during the school day and encourages all parents to speak with their children about the dangers of using cell phones to send inappropriate message or pictures.
