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New Campaign Targets "Sexting" Teens

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MILWAUKEE - Thursday morning will find a bold advertisement appearing at Milwaukee bus shelters. The ads, funded by The United Way of Greater Milwaukee, feature a cell phone with a condom pulled over top. Below, a caption reads, “protect yourself and your reputation. Never send nude photos to anyone.” The practice of sending nude photos via cell phone or the Internet is widespread among teenagers. A recent survey found that one in five teens admits to sending nude photos. But teens who spoke with TODAY’S TMJ4 indicate that roughly half of their friends participate in such behavior. “I had a naked picture [sent to me] and I don’t even know who it was from,” said 17-year-old Shaqueda Jenkins. “I text him and then he says ‘Oh my bad, I sent it to the wrong phone.’ Well thanks, I just saw all your goodies that I didn’t want to see.” Though the problem is real and widespread, the creator of the ads fully expects the image of a condom draped cell phone to shock some. But, Gary Mueller of Serve Marketing likes the idea of starting a dialogue this way. “This is one of the cases where a little bit of controversy is probably a really good thing,” he said as he held up an 11 x 14 picture of the advertisement. “Parents aren’t doing enough investigating of their kids’ habits on line or using their cell phone.” The practice of sending nude photos is risky on its own. But it can also lead to more serious problems. “Sending or posting sexually suggestive photos or messages can lead to other high-risk behaviors, including an increased risk of teen pregnancy,” said Nicole Agresando, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Greater Milwaukee. “It is our goal to connect teens to the information and resources they need to help prevent pregnancy and promote healthy relationships.”

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