Bossier probing teen sexting complaints

Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington confirmed Wednesday that his office is investigating “a couple” of complaints about teens posting and sharing nude or semi-nude photos. He and Bossier Parish school officials will step up efforts to let students and parents know sexting and related activity is against the law.

“When they start sending nude photos of each other, we have to stop this before it goes any further,” Whittington said during a news conference Wednesday.

Bossier Parish school Superintendent D.C. Machen said the issue isn’t unique to northwest Louisiana.

“The problem is, most students do not fully understand the impact of their behavior. I do not know any middle or high school in the nation that is immune to this problem,” he said.

Since 2009, at least 20 states and Guam have passed laws addressing sexting. according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Louisiana lawmakers passed a sexting law in 2010, the same year they addressed cyberbullying and made changes to an existing cyberstalking law.