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14-Year-Old's Nude Phone Pics Spread Save Email Print
Posted: 6:07 PM Oct 15, 2008
Last Updated: 8:33 PM Oct 15, 2008
Reporter: Lauren Zakalik
Email Address: lauren.zakalik@wilx.com

A | A | A

"I don't know who she is, except now I do because I saw the pictures," says Pinckney high school senior Tayler Adams.

 
Should Cell Phones Be Allowed In School?
Yes
No
 

The pictures Adams is talking about? Cell-phone images of a Pinckney Community High School 14-year-old freshman girl showing her face and genitals-- at least one shot she snapped of herself, then sent to friends.

"Clearly they sent it on to their friends and it snowballed from there," says Lt. Mike Kinaschuk of the Livingston County Sheriff's Department.

And that's the problem, Kinaschuk says.

"I've heard estimates of 200, but there's no way to cap that. You may never know all the phones it's on."

Principal Jim Darga got involved when an anonymous student left the photos on his desk and a message explaining what they were.

Since then, sheriff's deputies have confiscated more than a dozen phones.

"We had over 30 students with these inappropriate photos," Darga says. "With younger people, I just don't think they see the bigger picture."

The girl might not have taken the pictures on school grounds, but school administrators say some of the pictures were distributed while kids were in class.

"In those cases, we need to take a look at the code of conduct," Darga says.

But that could be the least of some people's worries, Lt. Kinaschuk says, because the girl is a minor.

"The penalties will (could) be quite harsh," he says. "They could be looking at four to 10 year felonies."

Even the girl herself could possibly face charges of distributing child pornography, but that's up to prosecutor David Morse. He did not return our phone calls Wednesday about whether people will be facing criminal charges.

"This could come back to haunt someone for the rest of their lives," Kinaschuk says.

Especially when they don't know the extent of who has what they took.

School administrators say they should know by the end of the week if students there will face punishment for their involvement.

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Posted by: Phil Location: Clarklake Mi on Jul 1, 2009 at 01:47 PM
Public health care would work if health care was mandatory.Taxes are mandatory,car insurance is mandatory.Education"at least until age 16" is mandatory.If you ride a motorcycle wearing a helmut is mandatory.Just make halth care mandatory also.Payment would be based on income.This means that the more affluent would pay more,but that in and by itself doesn't make it wrong.

Posted by: Ak Location: lansing on Jun 30, 2009 at 11:17 AM
I can't believe this is still a popular story from 2008.

Posted by: Brad Location: Dansville on Jun 16, 2009 at 04:24 PM
This situation has nothing to do with cell phones! Its about the lazy parents who let there kids do what ever they want. If you want to fix the problem let parents disipline there kids a swat on the butt or soap in the mouth doesnt hurt a thing.I got a paddling on the butt for doing something stupid and if my parents found out i did something stupid you knew what was coming! STOP TRYING TO BE YOUR KIDS BEST FRIEND AND BE A PARENT!!

Posted by: J Location: Michigan on Jun 15, 2009 at 11:35 AM
I think cell phones should be allowed because times are different and school has a lot more threats than they used to. I was opposed to them also at first...unitl I realized my daughter may need me and a pay phone maynot be available (since a lot of them are no longer being used), or the office phone might not be available. It's up to parents to govern how cell phones should be used in school and there are all kinds of restrictions that can be added to cell phones. Parents should start being the "Cool" parents "for a reason" and be a little nosey from time to time without offending their kids. Say something when necessary.

Posted by: Me Location: Lansing on May 30, 2009 at 09:49 AM
WHY IS THIS STILL UP?? SO ALL THE FREAKS CAN "enjoy" DISCUSSING THIS????? OMG< GET THIS OFF THIS SITE!!

Posted by: Ann Location: Michigan on May 11, 2009 at 08:44 PM
I think the parents are at fault. Parents need to education their the kids about the right and wrong things to do.

Posted by: harold Location: holt on May 5, 2009 at 06:10 PM
you all are stupid. this girl is stupid. her parents are stupid. this article is a waste of time. why do you all care so much. its not your kid.

Posted by: Troy Location: Iraq on Apr 29, 2009 at 09:48 PM
Say what you want, this girl made a terrible mistake and giving her a criminal record at 14 would be another huge mistake. This all boils down to a young girl starving for attention and going about it in the worst possible way. If she was taught to have some sort of moral code maybe things like this wouldnt happen. We take prayers and God out of the schools, pass laws that it is illegal to have things such as school prayer and wonder why we have the moral decline that we see here. The entire system is morally bankrupt and we want to point fingers at the younger people for doing things that are glamourized on tv and movies, how hypocritical.

Posted by: Daniel Location: Indiana, PA on Apr 23, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Two things. First the logic centers of the brain are not fully developed until around the age of 25. Therefore, biological factors are partially responsible for a hormone driven teen's ability to predict what the rammifications of their actions will be. This 14-year old girl is cognitively unable to understand that the consequences of her sending nude pics of herself would be. Second, some children may need a cell phone at school, but they do not need a camera phone. Because most parents have a fully developed frontal lobe, they should put their logic centers to work, predicting what things their children min do. Therefore, go with the low line, prepaid phone. This will prevent your children from taking questionable photographs without your knowledge and sending them to friends, and may very well keep your phone bill under control.

Posted by: Joshua Location: Lansing on Apr 6, 2009 at 07:50 AM
The real problem is the parents. These children should not have cell phones in their posetion or on the school property. The reason children have cell phones is because parents have taken the responsibility of knowing were their children away because now they have a phone to call me with. Well if the parents were really responsible they would know without a cell phone. Iwas raised with change in my pocket to use pay phones. this is just another case of being lazy. It is said that it took an incident like this to open anyones eyes. All cell phones should be banned from all schools.

Posted by: judy Location: Jonesville on Mar 29, 2009 at 06:16 PM
to me it's a case of parents not taking responsibility for the "new' gadgets their kids use; do they really need cell phones at school, don't think so. this young lady is old enough to know the consequences of her actions and this will definately be with her for life;

Posted by: Don Location: Lansing on Mar 9, 2009 at 02:07 PM
It's obvious that these kids do not understand the ramifications of their actions. Besides, they are not at school to learn how fast they text, chat it up in the halls on a cell Phone, or snap photos of each other that in the end have serious consequences on friends. Irresponsibility should result in adults taking responsible action, prohibiting cell phones by students in public schools.

Posted by: Get Real Location: lansing on Feb 25, 2009 at 01:07 PM
Of course it's gonna haunt this girl dah.. especially once the media gets a hold of it and blows the story out of the water and makes it public..I don't see the value in making a story like this public and news worthy.... serious whats the value...please tell me... the media is the one who will be the one who ruined the life of this young girl.. Yes it was stupid of her to do this and what she was trying to get from it i'm not sure but bringing it to the public just seems so rediculous. waste of time, don't you think there are more important things to bring to the public for besides this story come on...

Posted by: H J Location: Lansing on Feb 24, 2009 at 04:22 AM
It is my beleif that the Federal Communications Commission should end this once and for all and Ban all cellphones from having ANY cameras included in the units.That is where it has to start and FINISH!!!!! Also if there are school problems with it on school time then they should jam all cell signals during school time to prevent such problems in the school and during all school time.These are MINOR CHILDREN we are talking about and they should have NO RIGHTS to have use of them on school property and during school hours. I never had a cellphone until I was 42 years old and not one with a camera until 50 so I didn't miss it at all. If these children can't make proper judgement on how to handle the responsability then TAKE ACTION!!!!!

Posted by: russ Location: allen on Feb 14, 2009 at 12:46 PM
state buget-i have a friend who works for state goverment. she sees everyday state workers surfing the web,playing computer games, and even cards with nothing to do.is this how we want our taxes to be spent? also the deq has a dept for everything u can think of. they have junk yards that they do nothing about. they have wetlands dept that come on private property without warrants invading our privacy ref 42 usc 1982 on property rights. this is communisum. we need to get rid of this out of control goverment and reorganize. evryone is overspending.

Posted by: Bruce Location: MI on Feb 4, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Another case of government gone wild. Is there anyone out there that has any common sense anymore? The same mentality that wants to expel a 6yr old for bringing nail clippers to school. These educated idiots are showing up more & more in our government, schools & colleges. No wonder we're in the shape we're in.

Posted by: KENRICO Location: Florida on Feb 3, 2009 at 07:36 PM
The girl was stupid for doing this, no question. But, to suggest taking all cell phones away from kids or bringing the law into this is even more disgusting and retarded. All of you people between the ages of 25 to 55 have skeletons in your closets, and forgot how dumb one could be at that age. Yes, go on criminalizing everything, & you will be forever screwing up kids that will become the next psico-low self esteemed-lunatics. So kids, don't be stupid, ok? & All these adults with their holier-than-though attitudes, GET A LIFE! By the way, this is not a punk kid, I am a 42-year-old well ballanced adult.

Posted by: Chris Location: Michigan on Jan 29, 2009 at 02:30 PM
OK all this telling other people what to do with their lives has got to stop. Telling people to do or not to do certain things just makes you look like a control freak. There is no justifiable reason to tell others how to live their lives. If they want to make insanely stupid choices and suffer the consequences, let them. This girl made a mistake and I'm about 100% sure she knows it was stupid of her. Let her learn her lesson on her own and please don't give her a rap sheet from this. We all do stupid things when we're young, live and let live.

Posted by: chris Location: charlotte on Jan 22, 2009 at 07:39 PM
I have a big problem with kids having cell phones in school. First and for most kids are suppose to be in school to learn. I have a 14 year girl and u would not believe some of the stuff she's told me that goes on in school with these cell phones. As for the girl sending nude pictures she was wrong and she should be responsible for her actions. And parents talk to your kids, know who what where and when at all times.

Posted by: Rick Location: Eaton Rapids on Jan 21, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Me personally, I do not think anybody under the age of 21, should be allowed to own a cell phone let alone use one.......here's why...."THEY ARE NOT REPONSIBLE ENOUGH!" 3 examples why....#3 inappropriate text/pix messages,(camera phone pictures) #2 talking on the phone while driving (no excuse),#1 Just out right being rude to everyone around them....(no consideration for others) especially out in public places.

Posted by: Amanda Location: Michigan on Jan 19, 2009 at 09:04 PM
Its all pressure. I promise you some one else she knows did it, so to keep up with the crowd she did it. We don't need to take cell phones away from these kids we need to teach kids responsibilities and consequences. Talk to your kids, show them peer pressure isn't worth it. Show them that they don't have to act sexy and expose them selves to get attention.

Posted by: backer Location: india on Jan 17, 2009 at 05:26 AM
i like

Posted by: Dude Location: somewhere on Jan 8, 2009 at 02:11 PM
the child laws of today are supposed to protect kids from being victimized, ie, abused. this kid's nude photo is not the result of abuse. if a nudist takes photos of his child, is he distributing child porn. no. if a boy videotapes his gf and him having sex? maybe but even that doesn't meet the requirement, of abuse, or victimization. I dont believe anyone should be charged, kids are stupid, and obviously no one was hurt. laws are supposed to protect people, but these Child porn laws are inadequate and will probably just put a bunch of stupid teens and early 20s in jail. whilst the real sex offenders roam free. anyway

Posted by: Angela Location: East Lansing. on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:44 PM
Yeh... I don't think it's your peoples business to tell us to have cell phones or not because they are a really good thing to have on you. So just shut up about not having the cell phones in school. & even if they make that rue kids won't listen I see kids texting all the timee & no one gets caught.

Posted by: Sian Location: UK on Dec 31, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Get all the cellphones together and delete every known pic of this kid.

Posted by: DUSTIN POWERS Location: stockbridge on Dec 20, 2008 at 11:20 PM
think that kids should not have cell in school and be send thangs to

Posted by: DirtyOldMan Location: out of school on Dec 19, 2008 at 11:03 PM
First should kids be allowed cell phones? Yes, but maybe not with cameras and all the other gadgets. Just a basic phone so they can call 911 if there is a school shooter, or call home if they are late..... While this girl should not have exposed herself like this kids are kids and should not be prosecuted. Punished by parents or school if the act was committed in school but don't make a criminal out of her. The other kids should be punished the same way. Now if a teacher or some other adult had a copy of the pics and didn't delete them shame shame and off to jail for them.

Posted by: Lindsay Location: Eagle on Dec 18, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Alright...14 year old porn star? not quite. she did something wrong and should be held accountable. she made a mistake and she should get in trouble in some context, however she should not be charged with anything criminally. like people on here said, shes not the only one just the only one who got caught. why make her a matre for all teens? by now i think she's learned her lesson and people need to stop tormenting her about it. if you charge her you'd have to charge EVERYONE with the same crime because they all veiwed child pornography. so isnt it the pot callin the kettle black situation? let it go and move on, BTW i dont approve of this behavior and everyone who doesn't like this to bad, i have 2 daughters and personally i think its the parents who need to go after the girl, not the state!

Posted by: Tim Location: Massachusetts on Dec 6, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Yeah this girl should be a registered sex offender for life and the boy should not get anything at all. This is ridiculous to hear that teens are sending nude pics of themselves to each other. It is just very disturbing, as being a 14 year old myself, to hear about this. I would never do anything like that.

Posted by: Charles on Dec 6, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Nudity is not obscene but like everything else there is a time and place, but a minor passing herself around like a piece of meat is definitely not cool. She may be after attention but detention may do her some good. Keep your clothes on, it spoils the suspence:)

Posted by: Concerned Parent Location: Mid Michigan on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I have to agree with Kate's comment---"My point is parents should have an idea what there childen are up to these days "espically at 14." You hear too many parents saying "oh they could be doing worse things"." -- When you have parents looking the other way, acting like young teens themselves, and making comments such as "they could be doing "worse" things. This is where the problem lies. Too many parents and other people want this to be acceptable behavior!! Sorry you're part of the problem! I guess I would ask it this way, mostly to people like Drew, Brian, etc., If this was your 14 year old daughter I am curious how you would react, that might say it all.

Posted by: drew Location: jackson on Dec 4, 2008 at 03:55 AM
i understand what people are getting at but i dont think the law should be involved she made the decision to send that to a peer that snowballed now if a 14 year old sends pics to another is that even child porn because im sorry when i was that age i was getting nude pics from girls and im sorry i think the punishment would come from parents and from her peers that will never let her live this down but to seriously charge her or any of them with anything thats just rediculious i dont think its right. if there was an older man involved or something sinister was going but on i think it was just a girl going to far to get a guys attention shes not crazy she doesnt need help she is just stupid! seriously times are changing and its not for the better if i got a 10 year felony when i was 14 for looking at a girls nude photos im pretty sure it would mess up my life forever why dont we think of it like there younger teens treat them like that not pedophiles yes its wrong thats up to the parent

Posted by: teacher Location: lansing on Nov 28, 2008 at 01:38 PM
I teach at a high school. Students are desperate for attention. They use whatever they can to get that attention and admiration. Movie stars show their bodies and get attention, therefore students do, too. These situations are new--as a parent, who would have ever thought we had to tell our kids not to do this? As a teacher, I see classes, like health classes, cut continually, and these are the courses where we can teach kids respect for themselves and how to protect themselves. But districts don't see the classes as valuable, and parents don't value the classes, so enrollment drops and the courses are cut. I know the core academics are important, but if parents can't or won't teach these things, we must have classes in school that can deal with issues like this.

Posted by: ralph Location: jackson on Nov 28, 2008 at 09:23 AM
i think if the girl is punished with time in jail not probation it might just send a message to kids everywhere , the news media should make this amagor story every week to get the message to kids about the dangers of this kind of stuff and how quick it can spead

Posted by: jan on Nov 25, 2008 at 09:12 PM
hey this girl is guilty and she does know better! I have a 3 year old and she knows not show her nude little body, I think t.v, the big push sex gets,is a terrible influence on our kids.We really should start with the t.v,and magazines that are allowed,in fact America needs to get back to God,and make a better enviroment for our kids to grow up in.

Posted by: Everyone Should be Told Location: Everywhere on Nov 18, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Things of this nature should be made known, people need to realize the problems that ARE going on with our young people these days. This is NOT normal behavior of a 14 year old girl. This girl needs serious help. You state if something were to happen because of her reading these, then as I said this girl needs SERIOUS help. If she is reading this or anyone that has the need to do this; any young or old person and parents, this is not normal and you should get serious help if you find the need to do this. Too many people, such as Brian, want to sweep this under the rug and make it no big deal. The only way to face a problem, is to face up to the fact---there IS A problem; banning phones is not the answer. If one person learns from this girls mistake~~

Posted by: Brian Location: Rives Junction on Nov 13, 2008 at 08:06 PM
All I can say is I hope this girl isn't reading these posts. ALL you people will be perpetually consumed with guilt if this girl comes to feel she is unable to go on because of all the attention this STUPID (story ???) has gotten. WILX, you most of all will be culpable! Stop the postings and put this to rest!!!

Posted by: jay Location: adrian on Nov 13, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Josh, since when do 14 year olds have a mature brain to think with? No cell phones in classroom. Kids who aren't paying their own way have no right to have a say so in the matter...and that is the bottom line. Parents, you need to take responsibility. It is time to tell your kid no, and teach what is right, and what is wrong.

Posted by: Jan Location: Lansing on Nov 11, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I think the point is no one ever wants to take responsibility for their "own" actions these days. What this girl did was not only wrong but is something I couldn't even imagine a "normal" 14 year girl doing. I agree with the person who said parents protect their kids when they know what they are doing is wrong, I think that what the point is inregards to parenting issues. When you have grown adults who act like they are teenagers that is a lot of the problem, I do whole heartingly agree it is the girls fault and she should be punished!

Posted by: Vicki Location: Lansing on Nov 11, 2008 at 01:05 PM
It may be good for kids to have a phone for emergencies but they should be turned off in school. And they don't need texting, or picture phones for sure.

Posted by: josh G Location: former mid mich resident on Nov 11, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Wake up people, so she exposed her self? Thats her own fault, blame the parents all you want. Parents or no parents, theirs obviously something wrong with the girl. Plus the whole no Cell Phones in school? Your joking right? Why is it most of you ignorant people come to the first conclusion of instead solving the problem, trying to hide the problem by taking the medium away? It has nothing to do with phones in school, or the parenting, or them being christian or not. She might be 14 but shes still a person, with a brain, a concience, and the ability to establish whats right and wrong. Its HER fault.

Posted by: Parenting 101 Location: Lansing on Nov 7, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Can't agree with you more Amanda! People are so worked up on what this girl "shouldn't get in the way of punishment" rather than face reality as to what the actually problem that is going on. It comes back to the question--What has this girl, and many other "boys" and "girls" done that they haven't been caught at? Wake up Parents~Parents are just as much of the problem but can also be just as much of a solution!! These day there are more childen telling their parents how it is and what they are going to do. Parents protecting kids that they know are behaving very disrespectful! And they wonder why kids behave the way they do, No respect for themselves, parents, property and other people!!

Posted by: amanda Location: lansing on Nov 5, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Is ANYONE else at all concerned about why a 14 year old was TAKING photos like this to begin with? forget the porn charges, what about the parenting!!!

Posted by: Brett Location: Lansing on Nov 5, 2008 at 01:11 AM
This is entirely ridiculous. Not only is the girl the victim in this case, but also the offender? Making her register as a sex offender for the rest of her life goes too far. Sure this is a "big problem," but honestly, there is a better method than criminal prosecution to deal with this type of behavior.

Posted by: Ronald Location: Jonesville on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:03 PM
This girl will be tormented for years by her peers. Teens can be cruel and merciless. This was a dumb and thoughtless act by kid who thought it would go no further than the person it was sent to. If every stupid mistake a child makes winds up it court, they would never have time for the real crimes.

Posted by: courtney Location: Beebe on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:42 AM
If the girl sent him the pic SHE sould get in troble mot him that was stupid and he shouldnt set in troble for it.

Posted by: rita Location: lansing on Oct 30, 2008 at 12:01 PM
something like this she should be punish severly if she just gets a slap on the wrist she will do it again or maybe she is use to showing here privates to people but the problem is what about the older people that got this sent to them and she is a minor. Cell phones and such should not be in school but she would have still sent them. People would have still recieved them even if they were not in school. I have two daughters and i Still think it should be severe punishment. That or tell her to wait until she is older and she can be in penthouse.

Posted by: You know on Oct 28, 2008 at 02:19 AM
I think the girl should be punished more than anyone else in this case.

Posted by: Franklin Location: Mason on Oct 27, 2008 at 11:08 PM
If anyone gets charged with spreading porn or spreading underage porn, than the girl herself should be charged since she started it and sent the pics first Anything else is just wrong

Posted by: Danielle Location: Stockbridge on Oct 25, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Ok Paul so you don;t want criminal charges against the girl. Ok so what about all those out there older than this girl that knowingly resent this out to others. THAT is considered distribution of porn no matter how you look at it. I have to say if I found my daughter or step-daughter doing this, they wouldn't be protected from the consequences in any way. This is wrong and yes maybe this girl can be an example for other teams, but letting her get away with it will just encourage others to do it also! Wait until your daughters get into the teenage years you will think in a whole new way.

Posted by: Concerned Parent on Oct 25, 2008 at 03:00 PM
"Giving this girl a criminal record for child porn is wrong." But not, says what she did is acceptable. It's always funny the gal who is lifting up her top at parties (MSU Roit a good example) and is all gong ho until they get CAUGHT, then they are the one's hiding behind their parents crying! It wasn't my fault, I should not BE HELD RESPONSIBLE! It's a two way street, You play, you PAY! Parents/People should Wake up as Kate says this is a HUGE PROBLEM! My only question is what has this girl and many other kids done before 14 that they haven't been caught at??

Posted by: Paul Location: Holt on Oct 24, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Kate: I have two daughters, 6 years, and 2 1/2 years. Yes, I'm not a parent of a teen YET, but I'm saying they are going the wrong way in the punishment, it's too harsh. YES, I have morals, I'm a Christian, grew up that way, and teach those values in my home. However, the best parent roll models, can still have a teen who rebels, or makes a poor choice. Giving this girl a criminal record for child porn is wrong, that's my point. What I was searching for with my comment about someone (female) lifting their top in school was to find out if anyone out there in law inforcement or in the school system could tell me what THEY would get for doing that. If it's criminal charges for CHILD porn, then I stand corrected. My guess is, it wouldn't even be close to that serious of a charge.

Posted by: Kate Location: Lansing on Oct 24, 2008 at 01:30 PM
How old are your kids, Paul, or better yet do you even have kids?, because if you did, which I don't believe you do by your point of view, you might feel differently in your answer~~ My point is parents should have an idea what there childen are up to these days "espically at 14." You hear too many parents saying "oh they could be doing worse things". ~ your example "lifting thier top in school". My point is: "Where are people's values and morals anymore?" You ask what message is that sending to others teens if criminal charges are pressed? I think you answered your own question.

Posted by: Paul Location: Holt on Oct 23, 2008 at 06:49 PM
Ok...come on here. Don't put everyone in a box, Kate and Danielle. YES, I think what the girl did was wrong, however, it's crazy to press criminal charges, for child porn. That's nuts! This is a teenager, who made a poor decision. If I was the parent of this girl, it would horrify me to think she would have something on her file as serious as child porn, and a criminal charge. Let's wake up, and treat it as it is. Let the school do the discipline, not the police and courts. What would a teen female get charged for lifting their top in school? Child porn? NO, I would be willing to guess it would be indecent exposure. The photos were taken by HER, and SHE made the decision (wrong as it may be) to share the image(s). I never said what she did was OK, but rather, she shouldn't be punished to the extent of criminal charges. What message is this sending to other teens? It's challenging them to try the same thing, to see if they can get away with it.

Posted by: Kate Location: Lansing on Oct 23, 2008 at 12:33 PM
This is the problem with society, as a whole, this mere fact, that people don't think that there is anything wrong with this is THE PROBLEM. Wake up people ~~ this is a BIG DEAL, the comment about it getting "blown out of propotion," blows my mind!! It comes back the what's wrong with society these days! It's not just this one girl, it's sounds like this is the norm these days. It's time people stand up and say ENOUGH!

Posted by: Danielle Location: Stockbridge on Oct 23, 2008 at 02:01 AM
Are you people for real? DO those of you that have commented as such really believe there is nothing wrong with this? Ok Hello yes there is something major wrong with this situation! Yes nudity is considered art, but not in the context these photos are in showing pictures of you genitals no matter what are you are is considered sexual and therefore YES this is child porn and is extremely sick. Do those of you that think this is ok think you will feel the same way when this little girl turns up pregnant next year? As for the little girl saying this girl is nice...honey you really need to talk to you parents if you are going to consider doing things your friend is doing.

Posted by: Bethany Cooper Location: williamston michigan on Oct 22, 2008 at 08:13 AM
I think this girl should be held accountable for her actions... she knew what she was doing and did it anyway... as for the parents... they need to monitor her actions and take the cell phone away totally... as for the school kids... they were seent the pics and yes someone should have come forward sooner but....in the end they were just answering the cell phone when the pic was sent... should they have them taken away no... but their parents should put a block and control on the phone to remove the texting of messages and pics... allow them the phone but with no features at all... I had to do that to my sons phone and he now respects what I tell him the usuage will be for... calls only no pics not text... it upset him but he knows that THAT IF YOU DO THE CRIME YOU DO THE TIME AND FOR EVERY ACTION THERE WILL BE AN EQUAL REACTION.

Posted by: Emily Location: nowhere on Oct 21, 2008 at 01:35 PM
its peoples choice wether or not to send pictures. its their like so stop intruding.

Posted by: Paul Location: Holt on Oct 21, 2008 at 12:11 PM
First off, NO cell phones with cameras should be allowed in schools....too many opportunities for this sort of thing to happen. Second, there is nothing wrong in and of itself for this girl to photograph herself, the problem is, she sent it out. I think there are two messages here. First, there are rules, like it or not, about public nudity in the U.S., so we have to follow those rules. The word is "public". Because she made it public, it then becomes wrong. Hopefully this will sound right: In our country, it seems that we are far more strict about the simple fact of nudity. It's this very fact that causes people to "bend" or break the rules. If this case is being classified as "child nudity" than how is that different than babies being shown nude? Where's the magic age where it's ok for a child to be shown naked, or when it's not? Is there something written in the laws, or is it just assumed that anyone over the age of 1 year old without clothes on becomes pornography?

Posted by: RANDALL Location: SOUTH KOREA on Oct 20, 2008 at 10:37 PM
I NEVER THOUGHT THAT CELL PHONES SHOULD BE LET INTO SCOOLS IN THE FIRST PLACE. THEY ARE A DISTACTION FROM LEARNING AND NOW IT HAS GOTTEN ALOT WORSE. THEY MAY NOT SEE THE WHOLE PICTURE YET. BUT WHEN THEY FIND OUT WHO STARTED IT THAT PERSON SHOULD NOT BE THE ONLY ONE TO BE PUNISHED, THE PEOPLE WHO PASSED IT ON SHOULD BE IN JUST AS MUCH TROUBLE. BUT, ALSO THE PEOPLE CANNOT HELP WHAT GETS SENT TO THEM ON THEIR PHONES. THEY SHOULD HAVE JUST DELETED IT. IF WE DONT GET THE PHONES AWAY FROM THE STUDENTS WE MAY NEVER GET A HOLD ON THIS SITUATION, CAUSE IT PROBABLY HAPPENS MORE THAN WE THINK. WE JUST DONT SEE IT HAPPENING. MAYBE NOW WE WILL PAY MORE ATTENTION. AND POSSIBLY GET BACK TO LEARNING INSTEAD OF THESE KIND OF THINGS HAPPENING.

Posted by: Helen Location: Lansing on Oct 20, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Just like always, people are not held responsible for their actions. And to hear ~she's a "nice" girl~ I'm just curious what a "nice" girl is these days? And the poor, poor parents they surely knew nothing of this behavior. Too many bleeding hearts out there. This girl and her parents need serious help!!

Posted by: jim Location: jackson on Oct 20, 2008 at 12:10 PM
first off i would like to say to james milvovich from prague, that your comment sounds like to me something that a child preadater would say and that you need to seek help. as far as a 14 year old girl being nude and showing pic of herself being ok with you is a problem people like that is why we have prisons full of people like that who think its ok. as far as the 14 year old she made a big mistake and she needs to know just how bad of one she made but not for making and example out of her but to let her know and all young kids know just how serious this is and where this could end up going in the long run there is alot of sick people out there who prey upon this and will take advatage of it if they get the chance and the outcome of some of these situations can be very deadly

Posted by: Pam Location: Jackson on Oct 16, 2008 at 11:18 PM
This is a teachable moment for all teens. They do make mistakes and they learn to live by it. As with everything that the media thinks is important, it does get blown out of proportion. The media should get back to reporting news that is news and not stuff that belongs in the tabloids.

Posted by: Kellaaa Location: pinckney, michigan on Oct 16, 2008 at 03:06 PM
well, i know the girl and she is nice, shes in a couple of my classes and i feel bad for her. especially becuase she is not the only one that does that, shes just one of the only ones that got caught. you people are taking this way out of proportion.

Posted by: Arch Location: Lansing on Oct 16, 2008 at 04:18 AM
William, I agree with you 100%. However, most parents today are awful at their jobs of being parents and like I put in my first post, would rather be best buddies with their kids. Education isn't something they have time or the know how to do. They'd rather let the child live their own life and make mistakes. There's an epidemic of parents who don't want to hurt their childrens' feelings and it's garbage. As for the cell phone, yes, most of them have cameras. However, you can shut the internet option off so that pictures can't be sent and can only be taken and viewed by that particular phone. Why does a 14 year old need internet access on her phone? Parents need to set limits with their children. As for, Huh in Texas, you are correct that nudity is considered art, but I'm sure this girl was doing naughty things in the picture which is why it constitues pornography. Honestly though, if you think a 14 year old nude and behaving is art, seek help. That's a child.

Posted by: Andrew Location: Michigan on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Look at the "snowball" effect this has done, due to irresponsibility of minors. The Senior "Taylor Adams" could be charged because he openly admitted on camera that he viewed the photo which was of a minor. Due to this senior wanting to get on camera, he did not think of the ramifications of openly admitting on national television (since this can be viewed on the internet) that he viewed underage child pornography. The sad part is "plausable deniability" may be the only option in stating that he did not know what the message was until he opened it. But individuals that viewed it and passed it on can be charged with viewing and distributing. WOW! I feel for all the individuals who will end up being involved in this case. What does irresponsible individuals and technology lead to......a lot of chaos and heartache!

Posted by: Huh? Location: Texas on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:05 PM
The Supreme Court ruled nudity in itself is not pornography. I have contacted Law Enforcement who informed me being naked in a picture is not a crime. Why is this considered child pornography if people say she is only naked and the picture in not sexual in nature? Somebody please explain?

Posted by: William Location: Canada on Oct 15, 2008 at 09:51 PM
I think both of you might be missing the bigger picture here. What she did, DID promote child pornography, which is why it's a crime. But no, we DON'T need to pre-emptively disclude allowing "Camera Phones" or "MP3 Players". (I don't actually see how MP3 players factors in but hey, it's a party.) These days it's can be cheaper to include both, and if she used an actual camera and put the photos online, wouldn't it be the same effect? Education by parents to their kids plays a part. So does self esteem. But in the end, the person most responsible is the girl herself. She's a juvenile, so this will not be a long-term punishement, save the embarassment she's inflicted upon herself, and it may be a learning lesson.

Posted by: James Milvovich Location: Prague on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:24 PM
A nude picture of a girl is not child pornography, it is a nude picture of a girl. When will people grow up, we came into this world without clothes and they are not natural to our existance. If people consider a picture of a nude 14 year old girl pornography I wonder if an 18 year old who has sex with his 17 year old girlfriend will not also be considered sex offense. Please people, grow up, sex and nudity are natural and not profane, the human body is a beautiful thing, not a profane thing, only the thoughts of men / women can be profane and these thoughts can profane anything clothed or no clothes. (sorry English not first language)

Posted by: Arch Location: Lansing on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:22 PM
This is exactly why children don't need expensive cell phones with cameras, mp3 players, and other toys that only take away from it's use as a phone. Most parents get their children cell phones for emergency purposes and give in once junior starts whining about how his friends have a cooler phone that he does. Parents, wanting to be friends first instead of parents, give in (which by the way does NOT make your children respect you...it just makes them realize that you're a tool that they can just use) and get them the fancy phone. If you're going to get your child a phone, get them a phone...not a toy. P.S. A message to Lauren Zakalik: I know you're doing your job as a reporter, but putting yourself on camera while youre being filmed by a camera phone just makes most of us laugh and question credibility. This is a serious story and should be treated as such.

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