A growing trend is sweeping high schools and middle schools everywhere. Nude pictures. Also know as “sexting,” teens take and send explicit and revealing photos of themselves. Ina survey by The National Campaign to Support Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, roughly 20% of teens admitted to participating in sexting.

Some could beinfluenced by the actions of celebrities. Recently, leaked photos of stars have been popping up on the Internet. R&B singer Cassie best known for her 2006 hit single “Me& U,” was exposed in three graphic nude shots. The pictures were leaked after someone hacked into her computer.

Cassie released astatement on her main website, www.LoveCassie.com and on her Twitter, admitting the photos were in fact of her, claiming that, “These photos were obviously never intended for the world to see and it’s sad that people would really take time to steal and post them…At the end of the day breasts are breasts, mine weren’t the first you’ve seen and they won’t be the last…people need to grow up, let’s move on. Thank you.”

Along with Cassie, nude photos thought to be of pop star Rihanna were also leaked. She has not confirmed or denied the alleged images, but they do resemble her. Many more famous people have had nude photos of themselves revealed on the Internet, such as Vanessa Hudgens, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Ray J, and possibly even Katy Perry.

With all these celebrities taking it off and bearing it all, it does not set a good example for pre-teens and teens. It’s actually considered a felony to send or receive nude images of someone underage. Culprits can be charged with distribution of child pornography, charges that carry penalties of up to 17 years in prison. If convicted, culprits can even be required to register as sex offenders.

Six Pennsylvania high schoolers were caught after sending and receiving nude or semi-nude photos earlier this year. They were all charged with child pornography.

You have to ask yourself: Is it really worth it?

When asked if she has known anyone who has sexted or taken nude photos of themselves, junior Marisa Debiase said, “Yes I do know people who have done it. I think they do it because they don’t think about the repercussions. They just do it. People see Playboy and they see how glamorous it is. Teens think it’ll make you popular, but it has very negative consequences. So many celebrities have sex tapes, and these are the role models girls look up to.” The standards are different for guys though because they send nude shots even if they’re not requested, and they take it upon themselves to send them to whomever. “But it’s kind of unfair that it’s considered a felony to send or receive pics. No one ever publicized it,” she said. 

On the other hand, when asked the same question, junior Ema Bidiwala said, “If it’s between you and someone you can truly trust, then it’s okay. But be careful who sees it.”

Sometimes, teens send such photos thinking they can trust the recipient. But because E-mail is so simple, it’s easy for such photos to get into the wrong hands.