Teenagers can face child pornography charges for "sexting" and experts say many young girls are pressured into sending racy pictures to their boyfriends. Picture: ThinkStock. Source: news.com.au
FACEBOOK'S new photo and video messaging app that mimics infamous sexting app Snapchat has raised concerns it could encourage sexting among teens, and even enable sharing of child pornography.
The Facebook Poke app, which allows users to send each other photos and video that "self destruct" after a few seconds, has already become the most popular free download on iTunes since it was officially launched on Friday.
Users can send messages or pictures instantly to any of their Facebook friends and opt for them to self-delete after one, three, five or 10 seconds.
It is almost identical to controversial messaging app Snapchat, which has attracted worldwide criticism for enabling teens to engage in "sexting" - texting nude or sexy photos - with a perceived lack of consequences.
However there is nothing to stop users of either app taking a screenshot of messages they receive which can be forwarded to others.
Facebook Poke throws up an alert if it detects a recipient taking a screenshot of a message, but users are virtually powerless to take any action to prevent that screenshot being shared.
It is also unclear whether images and video sent through Facebook Poke end up stored on the social media network's servers even after they have self-deleted, or for how long.
Facebook could not be reached for comment.
Sydney psychologist and teacher Collett Smart told News Ltd apps like Facebook Poke and Snapchat could make teens vulnerable to exploitation and could even provide an easy way for criminals to share child porn.
Ms Smart said that over the past six months, she had counselled countless girls who had been pressured into sending nude photos to their boyfriends as a "sexy present", and this app would only cause more harm.
"We have all sorts of issues with child porn and we're supposed to be protecting kids from exploitation and apps like that in no way protect young kids," she said.
"They don't have the capacity to know the dangers.
"Who actually wants to take photos of your holiday on the beach, or your school graduation or something like that and have them dissolve in 10 seconds? We're not dumb, we know what this app will be used for."
A recent parliamentary inquiry in Victoria heard one in five children aged 10 to 15 had either sent or received a sext.
Anyone under the age of 18 taking, sending or receiving naked pictures can be charged with child pornography offences, which carries penalties of up to 15 years in jail and placement on a sex offenders register.
TIPS TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR CHILD
Have a Facebook account and try to "friend" your child if possible.
Have access to your child's facebook account and passwords.
Keep technology in public areas of the house, out of children's bedrooms.
Restrict children to using your iTunes account for downloads, so you can monitor them.
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