SPRINGFIELD, Va. - There are renewed concerns over the dangers of sexting, as dozens of concerned parents met with police at West Springfield High School Wednesday night.

Police say parents and teens need to know that according to the law, sending or receiving nude images of a minor is considered a felony because it's pornography.

Marc MacDonald, a Fairfax County (web | news) police school resource officer, led a candid and timely town hall meeting about the dangers of sexting -- when someone sends a nude image of a minor via cell phone.

Police say in the last six months alone, they've looked into several cases of sexting in the county. Jurisdictions around the country are grappling with a problem that seems to be spreading at an alarming rate.

"It's most popular among teens -- the reason is they are holding the technology in their hands every day to do this," said MacDonald. "I think we have to get the kids to educate the kids. Once it's in cyberspace it can't be deleted."

Rosa Castro and her daughter Carol were among many in attendance. "I haven't done it and I haven't heard of any of my friends doing it but I've heard of stories," said Carol Oswald-Castro.

Parents and their children are on alert because many minors aren't aware that sexting is a felony. Someone convicted of the crime would have to register as a sex offender.

"They don't believe what they are doing is wrong and that's part of the problem," said MacDonald.

Attendees were warned that someone receiving such an image can also be punished under the law and needs to contact police immediately if they are sent such a text.

"This is a child pornography investigation from the beginning to the end for us," noted MacDonald.

Police say a national survey shows 20 percent of teens nationwide have sexted. They are now urging parents to get involved.

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