Give parents, authorities, teens tools to deal with sexting

The editorial board of the Austin American Statesman wrote an editorial on the topic of a proposed bill by state Sen. Kirk Watson to make sexting, sending explicit or nude photos of themselves or others via cell phone, a criminal offense for minors in Texas. The editorial board's argument supports this bill and the measures involved, and I agree with their argument. The bill is tough but it does provide a second chance for the convicted teenagers by allowing them to have the first conviction expunged from their record, if they do not repeat the offense. Also, they support and add to Attorney General Greg Abbott's point that officials are right about not wanting to wait until a teenager is tried under the adult pornography law, which is a felony that leads to state prison and registering as a sex offender for the rest of their lives. The board's logic on this is just; this would be too great of a consequence for a teenager because they can make immature and impulsive decisions not understanding the lasting impacts of those decisions. But, there should be consequences. However without this bill it is the only option, to try minor teenage sexters under adult pornography law, other than doing nothing.
Another well made point by the editorial board is that it is important to get the word out of the consequences of conviction if the bill is passed. As they stated, getting the word out would cause schools to educate students on the dangers of sexting and the lasting impacts it can have. As well as for parents to get more involved in their children's lives by keeping a closer watch on what's happening with their children's cell phones, especially since they are the ones likely to be paying the fines.
The evidence the board gives in this editorial also gives rise to their credibility. They use direct quotes from people involved, give detailed information of what the bill entails, and they give supporting information from studies that have been done. They give just enough opinion to show their support for the bill but also provide facts to help the people decide how they feel about this bill. The above referred "people" are parents; the intended audience of this editorial. I am a parent, and when I read the first paragraph stating what the bill was, I was on the fence. However after reading the article and reading strong supporting facts and opinions, I fully support this bill!