When Texting Becomes Dangerously Sexy

When Texting Becomes Dangerously Sexy
by Molly Apfelroth - May 10, 2010

Eighteen-year-old Jessica Logan went on a Cincinnati television station in May 2008 with one purpose: to make sure no one else had to go through what she went through. Logan was a senior in high school when nude photos of herself were sent to other students in her school. The photos, originally for Logan’s boyfriend, were forwarded via cell phone by her boyfriend after they had broken up. Girls harassed her, calling her a “slut” and a “whore;” some even threw objects at her in the hallway. She began to skip classes, even when her mother, Cynthia, drove her to school. Logan was depressed and had had enough. Two months after her interview and one month after graduating high school, Logan hanged herself in her bedroom closet. Logan was found by her mother with her cell phone in the middle of the floor.r.r.

Hope Witsell, another teen who felt the wrath of sexting when a top-less photo of her was leaked to her school and nearby high school. The photo was intended to grasp the attention of a boy Witsell liked. Like Jessica Logan, Witsell was pelted with crude remarks. Friends literally surrounded her as they walked down the hallway. When Witsell’s school caught wind of what was going on, school officials contacted her parents. Since the school year had ended, Witsell was suspended for the first week of the following year. After returning to school from her suspension, teachers and counselors began to notice cuts on Hope’s legs. The bullying had grown too much. Hope had given up, and on September 11, 2009, hanged herself in her bedroom.

Witsell and Logan are the only two known cases of suicide caused by “sexting-” the practice of sending sexually explicit images or messages via cell phone or computer. The growing trend among adolescents has landed teens with child pornography charges, but for parents, it is more than criminal activity. It is about life and death.

Cases such as Jessica Logan and Hope Witsell have grabbed the attention of the media, politicians, schools and non-profit organizations everywhere, with the help of the girls’ parents trying to get their messages to the public. Efforts are now being made to educate middle-through-high school students about the dangers, harms and consequences of sexting. Amendments are being made to the penal code to lower the consequences on minors if caught sexting. The media are including the controversial topic in episodes of television shows, like 90210 and Degrassi, and putting together news documentaries about the issue.

A study performed in 2009 by the AP and MTV surveyed 1,247 teens ages 14 to 17-years-old. The goal was to see how young people are affected by and respond to issues like sexting, digital harassment and digital dating abuse. The survey revealed that, 3 in 10 young people have participated in some type of nude sexting. Although the study revealed that the incidence is higher overall among 18 to 24-year-olds, the trend is quickly rising among 14 to 17-year-olds.

Richard Guerry, founder, executive director, CEO and president of IROC, the Institute for Responsible Online and Cell Phone Communication, says that “the problem is not the kids, the problem is the lack of knowledge kids have in relation to the ever-changing technology.”

A: Technology

Today, by having a cell-phone teens could be holding the world at their fingertips. Cellular devices do not simply make calls anymore. They text, capture and send pictures and video, surf the web, play music and movies, broadcast television and on some you can purchase applications that allow you to turn the lights off in your kitchen or even manage your business.

Computers have also changed dramatically. The bulky desktop PC is something of the past. Instead, if you still even own a desktop computer, you have a thin, plasma, high definition monitor. However, mobility is key nowadays. You no longer have to worry about getting to a desk to send an email, just power up the newest and thinnest Mac right in your lap and pick up the nearest wireless connection and you are ready to go.

Webcams are no longer the awkward globe placed on top of the computer monitor. They are now built into the computer, with software that gives anyone the ability to make a movie or appear to be an expert photographer.

From the moment they are born, kids today are thrust into a world of technology. Schools use computers and interactive media to help students learn. Then, students go home and play online games or chat with their friends via an instant messaging system or social networking site. Our lives are now wired around technology, and there in lies the problem.

John Shehan, a spokesman for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, said that sexting started with self-productions that were made with web-cams.

“As technology grows, so does this kind of thing [sexting],” Shehan said.

An article from ABC News, written by Gigi Stone said, “The dangerous combination of teenagers behaving provocatively and impulsively is not new, but the accessibility to the technology is. With cell phone cameras, they have been handed a tool so easy to use; for some it's impossible to pass up.”

Kids are picking up technology and figuring out ways around it faster than the adults that purchase it for them. Parents today are not usually up to speed on what the newest iPod is or what social networking site is “cool” to use. Because adults are unaware of what these tools do and how to use these tools, the ability to teach children how to use them appropriately and responsibly is severely lessened.

“We have a bunch of kids that are handed these tools of great convenience without any knowledge of how to use it responsibly,” said Guerry. “If you took the tools we have today and gave them to people 50 years ago, the same things would happen. People have not changed, technology has.”

Stephen Freidman, general manager of MTV said, “Our audience lives online, and while every generation deals with their own set of abuse issues, the digital sphere exponentially increases opportunities for misuse.”

The new and quickly growing trend of “Sexting” has raised legal interest on how, as a society, we should deal with the impacts of technology on our social lives and the lives of kids, in particular. For teenagers, much of what goes on in their lives is through email, Facebook, and cell-phones.

Phil Bridgeman, chairman of the Criminal Justice Department at the University of North Alabama said, “It’s a way technology is transforming our social lives.”

Ann Shocket, Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen Magazine, said “Girls are surrounded by technology all the time, and when you’re that plugged in you’re vulnerable in so many ways.”

B: Pressures

Rachael Hartford and Katie DeLuca, both freshmen at Ithaca College, say that the media has put a lot of pressure on girls. Deluca feels that so much pressure has been put on teens via the media and popular culture. She believes that they feel as though it's a 'cool' thing to do. In a survey of 78 teens, 53 percent said that the media had a lot of influence on teen’s sexuality, and 64 percent said that they felt pressure from the media to have sex.

Hartford believes, that along with the media, the pressure to be sexy and liked by the opposite sex plays a huge role in the actions of teens. She believes that with pressure from the media combined with pressure from guys it is extremely difficult for girls to say no. In the digital abuse survey, conducted by the AP and MTV, 61 percent of those who have sent a naked photo or video of themselves have been pressured by someone else to do so, at least once.

Media’s involvement with sexting does not stop with pressure. Singers, actors, politicians and athletes, all of whom teenagers look up to, have all been caught up in sexting scandals. Paris Hilton, Pete Wentz, John Edwards, Rihanna, Vanessa Hudgens, Carrie Prejean (Miss USA 2009) and recently Tiger Woods and Jesse James have all been put under public scrutiny after being caught sexting.

Cosmo Girl and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancy also conducted a survey with 1,280 respondents, in 2008. The survey revealed that 51 percent of teen girls say pressure from a guy is a reason why they send sexy messages or images; only 18 percent of teen boys cited pressure from female counterparts as a cause.

“More and more girls are finding themselves sort of backed into a situation where they are pressured to take naked pictures,” said Shocket.

Along with pressure from multiple aspects, another attraction to sexting and cyber communication is the fact that it is an impersonal practice. 68 percent of people do or say things digitally that they would not do or say in person. It is easier to be more provocative or outgoing online, but whatever you write, post or send does contribute to the real life

impression you are making. However, many teens say that it gives them a sense of control.

In the Cosmo Girl survey, 22 percent of teens and 28 percent of young adults say that they are more forward and aggressive using sexually suggestive words and images than they are in “real life.”

C: Repercussions

While Jessica Logan and Hope Witsell are the only two known suicides due to sexting, there are numerous criminal cases to support the seriousness of this new craze. While the United States law sees sexting as child pornography, teenagers see it as high-tech flirting. Unfortunately, most are oblivious to the consequences.

Although you might expect your “sext messages” to remain private, nearly one in five recipients reported that they have passed the images along to someone else. Sexts often have unintended viewers. They are forwarded as a form of social currency by those looking to show off or be funny. However, there is nothing funny about it.

“Taking a provocative picture on your cell phone is a very idea. Simply because that picture may automatically be synced to the world wide web,” said Guerry.

On an MTV News special, “Sexting in America: When Privates Go Public,” MTV took a closer look at the dangers of sexting and the serious repercussions that can come from sending and receiving explicit photos. The special introduced, Ally, last name was not released. The New Jersey teen’s world was turned upside down when her ex-boyfriend forwarded a topless photo of her to everyone in his cell-phone’s contact list.

“I was embarrassed that everyone had seen it and ashamed that I did it,” said Ally.

No charges were filed against Ally or her ex-boyfriend, but there were still severe consequences. When in school, Ally was harassed by students. She was called names and threatened via texting and instant messaging. Because of the ordeal, Ally now suffers from anxiety and has extreme trust issues. She and her family also went to therapy.

The now twenty-year-old college student said, “I never thought anybody else would see it…It was an impulsive thing that I did. It was the biggest mistake of my life.”

Many teens do not take into account how their lives would change if a nude photo of them was leaked.

Hartford said, “I wouldn't know what to do. I would feel violated and betrayed by that person. It could even affect my getting a job in the future. That's why I don't sext. I wouldn't want explicit pictures of me all over for others to see.”

Other students interviewed for the MTV special said that they would transfer schools or move to another town. However, the photograph can follow you everywhere.

Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz, co-authors of the book Flirtexting, said, “The nature of a sext message is that it’s digital, and when it’s digital it can go anywhere…assume that any photo you send will be forwarded to a guy’s entire soccer team, and realize that when you are taking the photo.”
Parry Aftab, an internet privacy and security lawyer, explained that “if you take a picture, you can be accused of producing child pornography; if you send it to somebody, you can be accused of distributing child pornography; and if you keep a picture, you can be accused of possessing child pornography.” Aftab also said, “Anywhere along the chain of transmission of the images, you can be charged as a registered sex offender.”

The MTV special also introduced Phillip Alpert, a registered sex offender. Alpert had just turned eighteen when he and his girlfriend of 2 and a-half years broke up. During their relationship, Alpert’s girlfriend had taken nude pictures of herself and sent them to him. After their breakup however, Alpert angrily emailed the photos to her friends, family and even teachers. Unfortunately for Alpert, the Florida Police Department did not see it as “a stupid thing.” He was arrested and charged for the distribution of child pornography. His punishment: 5 years probation and required to register as a sex offender.

Alpert said he did it because he “was upset and tired and it was the middle of the night and I was an immature kid.”

Although Alpert’s lawyer is fighting to get him removed from the registry, there is the possibility that he will remain listed until he is 43-years-old. Because he is listed as a sex offender, Alpert cannot get into college or find a job that will hire him. He lives on his own because he is not allowed to live near schools, playgrounds or churches. Neighbors often knock on his door to ensure safety for their children while they play outside.

Alpert said, "You will find me on the registered sex offender list next to people who have raped children, molested kids, things like that, because I sent child pornography. You think child pornography, you think 6-year-old, 3-year-old little kids who can't think for themselves, who are taken advantage of. That really wasn't the case."

D: Criminal Cases

Now, sexting cases are popping up more in police stations and schools. Simply type “Sexting” into the search bar of Google News, and you will read at least 3 articles per page about student’s being caught or punished for sexting or states beginning to take legal action.

In 2007 The Iowa Supreme Court upheld a misdemeanor conviction of a male student. Two years prior, 2005, Jorge Canal Jr., then 18-years-old, sent a nude photo of himself to a 14-year-old classmate. He was granted a deferred judgment, a $250 fine, one year probation and was required to register as a sex offender.

Under Alabama state law, teens, even under the age of seventeen, can be charged as an adult and a felony charge of possession of child pornography. In January 2010, Alabama police arrested an 18-year-old student. The male student, name not released, was accused of using his cell phone to send nude photos of a 15-year-old girl to other minors. The student was charged with distribution of obscene materials, a Class A misdemeanor.

After an investigation in Spotsylvania, VA, two boys, ages eighteen and fifteen, were charged with solicitation and possession of child pornography. They were found to have sought nude photos of three juveniles, one in elementary school.

Also, In Colorado Springs, CO prosecutors are still investigating a case involving several middle school students. The students distributed a photo of a nude 12-year-old girl. Under Colorado state law, charges could lead to the students being declared sex offenders. However, El Paso District Attorney, Dan May, says that cases like these warrant counseling not criminal charges. Television stations, KKTV and KRDO-TV, reported that over a dozen students at Skyview Middle School may have seen the photo, and that the students who distributed it were suspended.

In January 2009, Pennsylvania authorities discovered another case that left six teens, all under the age of eighteen, with felony charges. In Greensburg, PA, three girls and three boys were charged with child pornography, for sending and receiving nude pictures of themselves via cell phone. The images were discovered by a teacher in the kid’s school.

E: Sexting North of the Border

While sexting has become a prominent issue for Americans, the issue has not surfaced north of the border, in Canada. Canadian police say that sexting is not on their radar. Dana Boyko, of the Toronto Police’s sex crimes unit, speaks to teens in grades 7-12 regularly, but students generally feel as though sexting has been “hyped up” by the media.

Boyko said, “We expect to see it, but we have not seen it yet.”

In Canada, it is not illegal for two teenagers, under the age of 18, to carry naked photos of each other. However, the photos must be for private viewing only. The Canadian Supreme Court says that minors are allowed to posses the images as long as it is consensual activity, but when the photos are released it becomes child pornography.

F: Lowering Punishments

With the sudden surge in sexting cases across the United States, the punishments that the children have been given are being criticized. Many believe that the penalties on minors are too harsh and should be lowered. Guerry, and other professionals, believe that if we educate children about the dangers and consequences, rather than hide them, things like sexting will be lesser of an issue. Attorneys say there are many unanswered questions about whether young people who send their own photos could face prosecution for obscenity or child pornography.

“If you were 17-years-old and you came home at 1:00am, but you did not have a curfew, why would you get in trouble? No one gave you a set time. If you had a 5:00pm curfew and you came home after 5:00pm you would get in trouble. If you were informed, and then you break it, that’s another thing,” said Guerry.

Aftab is another advocate for changing the Penal Code. She believes that not all sexting is consensual. Often times the minor is coerced into sending the photos. She also believes that the law should take children with mental needs into consideration, children you simply cannot say “no.”

“The minor is young enough to not really know,” said Aftab.

According to statutory rape laws, if an adult has sex with a minor, even with consent, the adult will go to jail. Aftab believes that sexting should also be treated this way. In other words, the 43-year-old who compelled the minor to send nude photos would go to jail, rather than the minor.

“When two minors have sex with each other, they don’t go to jail. Laws should be changed for consensual sex among minors. They have to be close enough in age (4 years) and both have to be minors,” Aftab also said.

In March 2010, a bill that would change the issue of sexting from a felony to a misdemeanor passed the state House Judiciary Committee of Pennsylvania. The bill addressed teens 13 to 17-years-old. Under the bill’s provisions, incarceration would not be a penalty of sexting. Sponsor Seth Grove, a York County Republican, says that the idea is to scare teens from sexting.

“We want to make sure [that if] they want to join the military, they’re still able to…they’re still eligible for grants and scholarships…and they won’t have to, if they want to go for a job, put down that ‘I’m a registered sex offender in the state of Pennsylvania,’” Grove said.

Those advocating for changes in the judicial system for sexting feel that charging a child as a sexual offender is a harsh remedy. Rather than handing them a punishment with lifelong implications, those caught should be educated.

Michael McAlexander, a prosecutor in Allen County, Ind., said, “We don't want to throw these kids in jail, but we want them to think."

Dante Bertani, chief public defender in Westmoreland County, Pa, where the six PA teens were charged, said, “That such treatment should be reserved for sex offenders, not teenagers who might have used poor judgment, but meant nothing malicious.”

In April 2010, a new sexting bill landed on Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk. In Illinois, teens caught sharing or posting sexually explicit images of other juveniles can be charged as sex offenders. However, with the new bill, teens will receive lesser punishment, including counseling and community service.

The American Civil Liberties Union, law enforcement, and authorities like Guerry and Aftab, believe that teens should be advised about the potential dangers of sexting, but they should not be subject to criminal prosecution.

Aftab says, “I’ve seen kids go to jail who have no business going to jail, schools not knowing how to handle it. A school handed a mother an 8x11 blow up of her naked daughter. No one seems to know what to do.”

G: Schools

Many states have begun to review their sexual education laws, adding education of the harms of electronically sending and posting explicit images of themselves via cell phones or computers. Schools believe that many of the teens participating in sexting are also sexually active. Findings from the survey performed by the AP and MTV, said that almost half of sexually active young people report being involved with sexting.

Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, of New York, sponsored a bill in 2009 related to the education of students about the dangers and consequences of sexting.

“I don’t think students or young people recognize the consequences of putting out indecent photos of themselves, with electronic media it never goes away. I don’t know if they understand that,” said Zebrowski.

Zebrowski says that because technology is changing there are a lot of new issues and new crimes and new activities that are harmful. He believes that we need to update our laws, in order to stay up to date with technology, and that will help us prevent and slow down issues, such as sexting.

Aftab is fully supportive of including sexting as a part of sexual education programs in schools.

“That’s good news!” she said, in regards to schools including sexting and technological responsibility in their sexual education programs.

She believes that the younger we start educating children about the dangers and how to use technology responsibly the less likely it is that issues, such as sexing, will arise. She states that we need to teach them to understand technology and then say, “Oh, by the way, this can happen to you.”

“We see it starting at 12-years-old. If we’re waiting until they are in 6^th-7^th grade it’s already too late. We need to start teaching self-respect, respect of others and digital safety issues from the time the kids can walk.” said Aftab.

Similarly, Guerry believes that schools should definitely adopt programs that educate students on how to use technology consciously. However, he does not agree with the idea of just teaching kids about the dangers and harms and lifelong consequences.

“We shouldn’t be implementing school programs that just say ‘danger danger danger.’ We should be adopting programs that deal with safety and consciousness,” said Guerry.

Schools are now being held liable when they are not taking action to cyber-bullying in their hallways. Today, many schools have put up firewalls on their internet networks and prohibited the use of cell phones. The firewalls deny the student’s access to inappropriate websites and content. However, Guerry does not agree with this. He argues that the more you try to “protect them” the worst the result would be when they actually have the opportunity to try it.

“We have a society that is waiting for that kid to get in trouble, and then we do something about it. I say, Go ahead and use Facebook, but this is how you use it responsibility,” said Guerry. “Let’s not hide it. Practice it, use it, but understand it.”

Guerry and his team from IROC have been tackling the issues head-on. The team travels to schools and colleges and holds “I Rock Responsibility 2.1C Concerts." They use a proactive method to teach teens how to avoid making a life threatening mistake The idea is to walk in and prove, in 60 minutes, “that every single thing you take on every single device is public and permanent.” Guerry says that people get very scared during the presentation.

“We have mass distributed these technologies but never told anyone that they are your window to the world. You can look at everyone, everyone can look at you,” said Guerry.

H: Abstinence Only

While many schools are looking to include technological responsibility and safety in their sexual education programs, talks of moving to “abstinence only education” have begun. For the first time, researchers say they have clear evidence that abstinence only education works and can change the way teenagers discuss and think about sex.

Despite the title, “abstinence only,” schools are taking a different approach to make the method more effective. Rather than saying, “wait till marriage,” schools are simply saying, “wait until you are older.” This time around, the method is free of the moralistic overtones and ideological restrictions that existed during the Bush administration. Many advocates of abstinence-only education have jumped on the new successful findings that say their approach works best. Some are even urging the Obama administration go back and restore federal support for abstinence-only education. Although there is no single approach that will reduce teenage sexual activity, the new approach suggests that there is a sensible and effective way to teach abstinence.

Yet, some teens do not think that abstinence only education will sway teenagers. In the survey of the 78 teenagers, 74 percent felt that sexual education should be comprehensive, including technological. None of the students surveyed felt that abstinence only was the proper method. Many believe the more you tell an adolescent, “no,” and not to do something the more they are going to want to do it.

Stephen Maurer, a sophomore at Bloomsburg University said, “Kids are going to do what they want. It's in their nature to break the rules… I think it’s a good idea but I would rather them have knowledge about something rather than be told to not do it.”
Hartford says, “I think it's irresponsible to only educate adolescents and teens about abstinence. It is not realistic. I think if people want to do it, they're going to do it anyway, so we should at least educate them about all of their options in the event of an accident.”

I: Help Outside of Schools

Along with educational strides, the media are also working to help in the effort to stop sexting and digital abuse. In an episode of the CW’s 90210 the lead character of the show, Annie, has a nude photo taken of her at a party. The photo is then shared throughout the school. The episode focuses on the harassment and trauma for a teen when a nude photo of them is released.

Teen Nick’s, Degrassi, also focused on sexting in a recent episode. In the episode the character, Ali, takes a nude photo as a “creative” option to spice up and save her relationship with her boyfriend, Johnny. Unfortunately, Johnny forwards her message to a friend. When a teacher catches the student with the photo he reports it to the principle. Ali and Johnny are called down to the office and are given a lesson on the harms of sexting.

Aftab said, “Media is media, but the more you can explain the bad things that happen the more people are going to listen. Every time I go on CBS or dateline or the today show, it is helping someone and it is educating someone.”

MTV’s special, “Sexting in America: When Privates Go Public,” was a part of a multi-year initiative called “A Thin Line.” The program is aimed at stopping the spread of abuse in the forms of sexting, cyber bullying and digital dating abuse. The goal is to allow the youth of America “to identify, respond and stop the spread of the various forms of digital harassment.”

Freidman said, “A Thin Line is built to empower our audience to draw their own line between digital use and digital abuse.”

The program will address digital abuse on numerous fronts: on-air, online and with integration of the issues in MTV’s top-rated programming. As part of the initiative, AThinLine.org was launched. The website allows teens to access information, resources and support. To make this possible, MTV partnered up with Facebook, MySpace, DoSomething.org, Break the cycle and other organizations working to help and protect teens from digital dangers. The Institute for Responsible Online and Cell-phone Communication, Richard Guerry’s program, gave MTV’s A Thin Line an award in 2010 for their efforts to protect teens and young adults.

Aftab is also on the Advisory Board for ATL, she says, “We are now starting to see that teens are using ATL as outreach when they think someone has gone too far.”

“The safety of our users is paramount to us, and only by working together can we seek to educate young people about the dangers of digital abuse and cyber bullying, “said Tim Sparapani, director of public policy at Facebook.

Other forms of media are providing teens with alternatives to sexting. A fun way to avoid sexting is, Flirtexting. A term coined by authors of the book, Flirtexting, Goldstein and Baniuszewicz. The book is a modern how-to dating guide for tech-savvy teens.

Flirtexting is, “Any text message sent between you and a boy you would like to date or are currently dating. These texts normally contain flirty, witty banter that typically leads to a date.” The authors called it, “the new first step in dating.”

In a blog on Seventeen Magazine’s website, the authors said, “It might seem like innocent flirting to send sexy pictures to your guy, but if the pics get circulated, it's dangerous to your rep, it's devastating to your self-esteem, and it can even be illegal. There's no reason to risk it.” The two city slicking authors say that it is very important to live by the motto, less is more, and sexting is too much. On the MTV News special the authors recommended doing something funny and cute, rather than sending the “nudie pic.”

They said, “Send a picture of your elbow, and say ‘Guess what body part this is?’ or go to your Victoria’s Secret catalogue and take a picture of a model.” They also said, “Texting is fun and Flirtexting is fun, but sexting is dangerous. The party ends there.”

Also helping in the efforts, are phone companies, LG and Motorola. During this year’s Superbowl, Megan Fox was featured in an ad for Motorola. Despite some critics saying that it promoted sexting, the phone company believes that it was to show that they are aware of the problem.

A more effective campaign was launched by LG. “Give it a Ponder” features James Lipton and his infamous beard. He stands over teens as they consider using their cell phone irresponsibly, and his beard gets placed on their faces. The campaign’s goal is to help combat sexting and cyber bullying. Along with their campaign, in early 2009 LG launched a tool called LG DTXTR, which is supposed to help parents decode cryptic and possibly harmful text messages on their children's phones.

Some companies, such as WebSafety Inc., have developed software that parents can use to monitor certain activity on cell phones and computers. They can, for instance, block X-rated texting terms or be alerted when their child is using them. However, pictures are a little tougher to scan for, and parents might have to physically check their child’s phone, which is encouraged.

J: An On-Going Battle

Along with schools, law enforcement, government and the media, the parents of Hope Witsell and Jessica Logan are telling their traumatic stories hoping to give teens a reality check about the severity of sexting.

“I’m trying my best to get the message out there,” said Cynthia Logan.

When Logan’s daughter committed suicide in July 2008, she and her husband tried to go through the law. When Logan went on the Today Show in 2009, she and her husband had already been through six lawyers, all claiming that they could not help the grieving family. Logan believes that her daughter’s school should also be held responsible for allowing the issue to get this out of hand.

In December 2009 The Huffington Post reported that the Logan’s were not only suing their daughter’s ex-boyfriend but her high school, as well, for negligence. Cynthia and Albert Logan are seeking corrective damages for discrimination, civil rights violations, the invasion of privacy and emotional distress.

Jessica’s Logan’s mother said that she never truly knew how bad things were for her daughter, in and out of school. It was when she began to receive truancy notices in the mail that she began to take notice.

“I only had snapshots, bits and pieces,” said Cynthia Logan.

After her daughter’s suicide, Cynthia quit her job and was hospitalized for a time with what she described as a mental breakdown. Even eight months after her daughter’s death, Logan still struggled to tell her heartbreaking story.

Cynthia Logan and her husband know that they cannot turn back the clock, and get their only child back. However, Cynthia says that she wants sexting to stop, and for those that are involved to be held accountable.

Parry Aftab accompanied Logan during her appearance on the morning talk show.

“I met Cynthia Logan, I thought she was incredible and thought her story was tragic. Children who are involved with sexting are four times more likely to commit suicide.”

Aftab explained that it is normal kids just like Jesse who fall victim to the perils of the Internet and the easy exchange of information on cell phones.

“We talked about her being a good kid, a normal kid. Those are most of the ones that are sending out those images,” she said.

Aftab asked Logan to join her in her fight against the electronic exploitation of kids

“Absolutely,” she said.
Aftab also went of the Today Show with Hope Witsell’s mother, Donna, after her daughter’s suicide. Donna Witsell explained how her daughter’s life, once so promising, unraveled after one mistake.

Witsell’s mother waited only three months before coming forward to tell her daughter’s story. Her hope is to spare others the loss she now has to endure everyday of her life.

Aftab referenced Jessica Logan while on the show with Witsell, and once again mentioned that the “good kids” are the ones getting caught up in this.

“Good kids are the ones this is happening to; Jesse was a great kid, and now we have Hope,” she said. “Good kids; they’re the ones who are committing suicide when a picture like this gets out.”

Aftab says that although Hope was very young for sexual behavior, 9 percent of 13-year-old girls admit that they have sent nude pictures of themselves on cell phones.

For Aftab and parents like the Logan’s and Witsell’s, the goal is to educate parents and teens. Cynthia wants every parent to know how dangerous this teenage trend is, so that no parent has to find their child the way she did or go on without them the way she must do now. Logan’s last memory of her daughter is a phone conversation hours before her daughter’s untimely death.

Logan remembered, “She said ‘I love you Madre.’ And I said ‘I love you baby and I'll see you soon.’"

For Witsell, she will never be able to go to her daughter’s room to kiss her goodnight, as she was going to do when she found her daughter.

Although there is no explanation that will make the Witsell’s and Logan’s pain go away, saving one teen’s life will push their cause one step further.

Aftab and Guerry encourage parents to talk with their kids about technology and sexting.

“If you do not ask, they will not tell,” Aftab said.

Guerry says, “It’s time to stop only putting a band-aid on hemorrhaging wound. We can’t wait for the new digital trend…a new digital disease, and then hurry up to find a reaction, it’s already too late.”

Works Cited

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A.20. ProQuest. Web. 14 Mar. 2010.

Aftab Parry. Internet Privacy and Security Lawyer. Personal Interview. 08 April 2010.

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