Students Suspended For Naked Pics

The Daphne Police Department is investigating two cases involving four Daphne Middle School students who were using cellphones to take naked photos.
"Possession of child pornography is possession of child pornography, whether it's a minor that's possessing it or not. And if they're disseminating it and showing it to other people, I mean it's a crime in the state of Alabama,"Said Lt. Judson Beedy with the Daphne Police Department.

While authorities are looking into whether they will pursue criminal charges against the students, a spokesman for Baldwin County Schools says cellphones are prohibited on all 46 Baldwin County public school campuses."I think it sends a very loud wake up call to parents that electronic devices can be used for good but they can also be used for bad as well," Said Terry Wilhite, with Baldwin County Schools.

Meantime, some parents we spoke with say criminal punishment may be too harsh. "I think they're in an exploratory state and they don't really realize the ramifications of what they're doing. I think they were given too many options at such a young age and they shouldn't have had it," Said Tracy Flurry.

Authorities say if charges are pursued, they can range from: Dissemination of Display of Child Pornography, a class B felony, to Material Harmful to Minors, a misdemeanor and possibly having to register as a sex offender.
School officials say three of the four students involved have been suspended by Daphne Middle School for five days. Officials say further disciplinary action could come depending on the outcome of the investigation.