Use of the internet or cell phones to receive or transmit sexually explicit material can result in a longer prison sentence than if you molested a child. You may have seen new articles of arrests for child pornography use. Many of these case do not involve images of very young children or teens. They can involve pictures of anyone under the age of 17 portrayed in a sexual way. That is the age of consent for sexual activity. Despite the assurance of sites that the material is all legal, this often is not true. It is not possible to distinguish a naked 14-16 year old from a 17-18 year old. Even if you delete the material from your device, it is still traceable. Local, state and federal (FBI) agencies continually monitor pornography websites and trace their users. They then aggressively prosecute these cases which results in large legal fees, prison time, and at least 20 years of being a “registered sex offender” which limits your job and housing possibilities. No leniency is shown for first time offenders. Many teens have been convicted in New York. There is no safe sexual activity on the internet or cell phones. The production and distribution of child pornography is a major crime and a social problem which harms minors who are sex trafficked. Do not contribute to its growth. Using pornography has also been shown to harm your developing satisfying, consensual, peer sexual relationships. Carl Christensen LCSW North Coast Counseling, Rochester New York Tayah Jackson, MS 2025