Families shocked by criminal charge for teen sexting
Two high school students face legal action after being charged sexual exploitation, leaving many families with unsettled emotions.
Posted — Updated“I’m sure they have no idea that’s what’s going to happen,” Anne Heard, a mother of two, said. “They think they’re just having fun; they don’t know the consequences.”
Copening started at quarterback for the Buccaneers on Aug. 21 but was benched last Friday and won’t return to the field until his legal issues are resolved.
Both were charged with five counts of sexual exploitation—a felony.
Parents in the area said hearing the news left them with unsettled feelings.
“This could hurt somebody else besides you,” Tabb said. “Do you want your name and this image or these issues coming up as the first thing somebody finds on a google search?”
Tabb said he also encourages parents to discern whether their kids feel pressure to sext or are doing it consensually, or whether there is a more malicious intent—like circulating the images as a form of cyberbullying.
Copening is due in court Sept. 30 for the sex charges. If convicted, he would have to register as a sex offender.
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