Bill would let ‘sexting’ NJ teens avoid charges

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey teenagers who text or post sexually explicit photos online could avoid prosecution under a measure that would give first-time offenders the chance to complete a diversionary program.

The state Attorney General’s Office would create a program to teach teens about the criminal penalties and social consequences of sending or receiving nude or seminude images by cell phones or computers.

Some states charge teens with offenses such as distribution of child pornography.

County prosecutors would decide which children would be eligible, within guidelines.

Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt of Camden, the bill’s sponsor, says the focus is teaching young people to change their behavior.