Cell phones are the new cameras. Almost 75% of Canadians own a cell phone. 

"Sexting" is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photographs using cell phones.  This practice creates the greatest concern amongst the authorities when the pictures are of minors. The act of taking and sending explicit photographs of people who are under 18 years of age is considered manufacturing and distributing child pornography in some countries.  Charges are not yet common in Canada, although there has been at least one well-publicized Canadian case in which a teenager was charged with two counts of distributing child pornography and another was charged with making and distributing child pornography using a cell phone.

Taking photographs and sharing them through cell phones has become part of the way people stay connected with each other.  When a photograph is taken and sent through your phone or stored in a cloud you lose control of images that may be embarrassing or even illegal.  Minors (and adults) need to be aware of the dangers of taking and being in possession of explicit photographs depicting underage individuals. 

In instances where the taking and sharing of photos takes place during school hours or on school property the consequences may include expulsion from school. Parents should discuss with children the risks of taking and disseminating photographs through their device, illicit or otherwise. Parents should also familiarize themselves with the policies of their local school board with respect to the use of technology at school and whether students and teachers have an expectation of privacy while on school property.

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