Lawmaker seeks to penalize students for sexting

SACRAMENTO, CA -- A lawmaker worried about sexting has filed a bill that could lead to suspension for students who send lewd messages or pictures.

Ed Chau, member of the California State Assembly, says sexting should be defined as a form of cyberbulling.

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"Several students have committed suicide because their pictures have been disseminated to others and throughout the country, we've heard stories like that," Chau says.

If passed, school officials would have the ability to suspend or even expel students for sending sext messages.

Lawmakers are also pushing for sexting safety to be added to the schools' sex education curriculum.

The bill passed the assembly's Committee on Education Thursday. It will now head to the appropriations committee for consideration.

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