Sexting an Issue in Some Tuscaloosa Schools

Deputies with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office say about 25 to 30 percent of students under the age of 17 are sexting their peers by sending sexually explicit photos from their cell phones or through messaging services on social media.

TCSO spoke with parents and their children in Tuscaloosa County school system about sexting and the serious consequences that can result including being charged with sex crimes which could stay on your record forever.

Alabama law states that if someone under 17 sends nude photos out to 10 people then everyone involved can be charged with sex crimes and TCSO deputies said parents need to do a better job of monitoring what their children do online.

Sgt. Chad Roberts told Fox6, 'Knowing what their kids are doing on social media, checking their electronic devices and having an open dialogue with their kids about what's going on with this stuff'. Sgt. Roberts said the sheriff's office has seen girls as young as 11 sexting.

TCSO and representatives with the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's office plan to continue educating students on this issue over the upcoming weeks.