An associate professor at York University in Toronto believes “sexting” — youngsters sending nude photos of themselves via cell phone — is not child pornography, and senders shouldn’t be prosecuted.

Professor Peter Cumming presented a paper at the 78th Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, saying sexting is similar to “spin-the-bottle” or “playing doctor.” Pat Trueman, special counsel for Alliance Defense Fund, tells OneNewsNow that is a real stretch.

“Sexting is really children producing child pornography. Our society is in deep trouble that we’ve come to this,” he believes. “Child pornography is a serious crime for anyone. But to have children beginning in their young ages producing child pornography — what will these kids grow up to be like as adults?”

Laws exist that prohibit production and distribution of child pornography and should be enforced, according to Trueman. He contends if there is no prosecution, youngsters will consider that a green flag to continue the trend.

“But if we enforce the child pornography laws, even in the juvenile courts where the punishment will be less, these kids will stop sexting,” Trueman notes. “You can count on that.”

Trueman adds that now is a good time for parents to talk with their children to make sure they understand the dangers and consequences of sexting. He urges parents to check their children’s phones to see how they are using them, because children as young as ten have posed nude and taken pictures using their cell phones, sending the pictures to peers.