A massive sexting has been discovered at a Colorado high school, involving at least 100 students who are exchanging and posting nude photos of themselves on social media.
According to the New York Times, some of the children in the photos were as young as 12.
The students, many of whom are on the Canon City High School football team, could face criminal charges, according to reports.
The school district announced that "some of our students have engaged in inappropriate behavior that includes posting and sharing photos that expose private parts of their bodies or their underwear.".
Noting that a "large number" of players on the school's football team were involved in this scandal, the agency says it is canceling the final football game of the season.
The incident was reported to the district by anonymous sources and reports from students. According to the department, taking a photo of themselves naked and sending it to another person is considered a felony.
The same applies if someone receives such a photo and sends it to another person, or keeps it over time.
According to the New York Times, police and the district attorney's office are discussing whether to file child pornography charges, including felony charges. The students circulated up to 400 indecent photos, it added.
Police are also investigating possible adult involvement, the school district said.
“This has been going on for years,” a Canon City student told ABC affiliate KRDO13. The student said some of his classmates, especially girls, were pressured to take pictures of themselves.
The school administration held a meeting on Thursday to warn parents and explain the technology that allows their children to hide the photos.
Canon City Sheriff Paul Schultz said the problem extends far beyond the city limits. "With new technology, this is happening everywhere," he said. "Should parents be concerned? Absolutely.".
