August 24, 2016
South Burnett teenagers have been warned of the possible lifelong consequences of taking nude selfies.
Local Adopt-a-Cop Constable Samantha Giles says teens thinking about taking a nude or semi-nude photograph and sending it to their boyfriend or girlfriend should consider this:
- The person taking the pic has committed a crime: making “Child Exploitation Material”
- The person receiving the pic has committed a crime – possessing “Child Exploitation Material”
- The person forwarding the pic to his/her mates has committed a crime – distributing “Child Exploitation Material”
- Any person who keeps this pic on their phone/tablet/device is committing a crime – possessing “Child Exploitation Material”
Officer-in-charge of Kingaroy Police, Senior Sergeant Duane Frank, said there had been ongoing complaints from parents about nude photos, and part of the police response was putting together educational packages for students.
He said students found committing these offences could be required to appear in court before a magistrate, and the range of penalties could include suspended sentences or imprisonment.
Constable Giles warned that students convicted of any of these offences could have their name added to the Sex Offenders Registry, which lists child sex offenders.
Once someone’s name was added to this Registry, their life was severely limited.
“You may not be able to travel overseas, have an internet account or email address, work in certain jobs and have restricted contact with younger family members or friends,” Constable Giles said.
She said there had already been a number of students in the South Burnett who had been officially cautioned in relation to the offences of making, possessing and distributing Child Exploitation Material.
“If you want to continue this sort of behaviour please consider the consequences,” she said.
“To say that you ‘didn’t know it was an offence’ is not an excuse under the Queensland Criminal Code, you will still be charged and put before the court.
“If you receive a pic, delete it straight away.
“Do not be pressured into taking a nude selfie and sending it to your boyfriend or girlfriend.
“Have more self-respect. It is your body, not anyone else’s. Ask yourself if you would like the entire school (and I mean the entire school) to see that pic? I know I wouldn’t.”
