The Sevier County Sheriff stopped by the KSVC studios Monday morning to talk about a growing issue in Central Utah.

Sexting is on the rise in Utah and more teens are starting to send the sexually graphic messages as well.

In a nationwide survey performed in 2012, 57% of teens reported that they had been asked to send a sext. 38% of teen girls and 39% of teen boys say they had been sent a suggestive text that was meant for someone else. 11% of teens admit they have sent graphic pictures of themselves to a stranger.

Sevier County Sheriff Nate Curtis said the underage teens that sext may not be aware that they are participating in an illegal act.

Speaking about minors who sext other minors, Curtis stated that “In the state of Utah… If they send (or receive) those images, they can be charged with a class A misdemeanor.”

The legal problems are further compounded when an adult, such as a high school senior who is 18, exchanges the graphic messages with a minor who might be a fellow student. These individuals are subject to much stricter penalties where the law is concerned and may receive various felony charges depending on what was exchanged or passed on.

Sheriff Curtis also shared his concern that some might be pressured into sharing the nude images.

The Sheriff talked about how some bullies will pressure other teens for the images until the other party relents.

Curtis asked for any teens that are sexting stop.

If you are concerned but unsure how to approach the situation with your kids, CommonSense.org has tools to help you learn more about the technology involved and how to educate your children on safe media use.