We're saddened by a story about a teen who hanged herself in her bedroom after an ex-boyfriend disseminated a nude cell-phone photo of her around their Ohio community. Jessica Logan, 18, was harassed daily by other girls calling her "slut" and "whore" and throwing objects at her.
Making It Through
She finished high school last year and went on national television with her face and voice distorted to warn other girls about the potential consequences of taking naked photos of themselves, a mistake Vanessa Hudgens later made.
But two months later, after attending a funeral for another teen who had committed suicide, Jessica went home and took her own life.
A Common Mistake
An oft-cited survey says that 39 percent of teens have sent similar photos of themselves ... and 15 percent of high-school boys say they disseminate the pics after a breakup.
The "Today" show had an "Internet security expert" on hand to warn of the dangers of "sexting" and urge parents to check their kids' cell phones. But isn't the real problem old-fashioned high-school cruelty?
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Hot Bod, Cold Heart
Alex Rodriguez This skanky Yankee came under fire for getting cozy with a stripper at a Las Vegas Scores (ew), and was rumored to be cavorting with Madonna before the ink was dry on either of their divorce papers. Jerkometer rating: 7
Getty Images
Mario Lopez Who knew that A.C. Slater was such a dirtbag? The buff "Dancing with the Stars" stud reportedly cheated on one lady friend with a Hooters girl, and his two-week 2004 marriage to Ali Landry ended when she learned of his bachelor party antics. Jerkometer rating: 8
Barry King, WireImage.com
Jude Law He may be gorgeous, and nobody can resist that accent. But you know what we can resist? Sleeping with our nanny. Jude? Not so much. He and then-fiancee Sienna Miller eventually broke up, obvs. Jerkometer rating: 7
Sony
Matt Damon In 1998, Matt Damon told Oprah Winfrey during an interview on her show that he was no longer dating Minnie Driver. According to Driver, that was the first she'd heard of their breakup. Jerkometer rating: 2 (He gets points off for good behavior since.)
Universal
Hugh Grant In 1995, Grant was infamously pulled over by L.A. police for lewd conduct with prostitute Divine Brown. Girlfriend Liz Hurley forgave him and even appeared on his arm at the premiere of "Nine Months" days after his arrest. Jerkometer rating: 9 (extra points for dragging Leno into it)
Dave Hogan, Getty Images
David Beckham What is it with married celebrities and the hired help? Although he has always denied it (and OK, so there's no proof), Becks was accused in 2004 of sleeping with then-personal assistant Rebecca Loos. Jerkometer rating: 3 (That shirtless picture inspires our goodwill, OK?)
Milk Processor's of America
Chace Crawford We know two things about the "Gossip Girl" boy: He's a total hottie, and he dumped Carrie Underwood via text. US Weekly reported in April, 2008 that the pair "mutually" parted ways via cellular phones. Jerkometer rating: 1 (hey, we've done it too)
Mark Von Holden, WireImage.com
Charlie Sheen Among other lowlights, Sheen "accidentally" shot ex-fiancee Kelly Preston, spent thousands on madam Heidi Fleiss and symbolically took a chainsaw to his wedding portrait with Denise Richards. Ew. Jerkometer rating: What comes after infinity?
E.J. Camp / CBS
Ethan Hawke We were sad enough when this brainy babe's artsy-smartsy marriage to Uma Thurman ended. But to then shack up and have a baby with the nanny to his kids? For shame! Jerkometer rating: 4
Mirimax / Everett Collection
Ryan Philippe Although never officially confirmed, rumors still swirl that Ryan Philippe's divorce from his all-American wife Reese Witherspoon had a little something to do with an on-set affair with actress Abbie Cornish, now his girlfriend. Hmm. Jerkometer rating: 6
Frank Masi, Paramount
"Sexting" and online bullying may be relatively new, but girls tormenting other girls over their alleged promiscuity has been around forever.
We're glad to hear from the security expert that schools are finally being held liable for bullying (including some cyber-bullying), but we're not sure if that will be enough to keep kids from tormenting each other.
"Mean Girls" has a touching ending, but what can school officials and parents do to help real-life teens make peace? Should we blame technology ... or ourselves?
Tell us! What should parents or administrators do to teach kids about the dangers of sexting? Is it just another rite of passage?
The Most Annoying Co-Workers
Insistent Instant Messenger: No matter how much time or miscommunication could be spared by talking face-to-face, this person insists on talking virtually, via IM or email. If they're a superior and you're not online, they send you an email to ask where you are (meanwhile you're at your desk, ten feet away).
Cycle Sister: This is a person you're not particularly fond of, but for whatever cosmically twisted reason, your daily routine is synched up -- you walk into work at the same time, and from there, you see your Cycle Sister in the bathroom, on your smoke break, at the vending machine, and on the way out. Even if you do like this person alright, the sheer coincidence makes things creepy and awkward.
Mr. Flibble, Flickr
The Get-a-Lifer: This person asks you out to post-work drinks on a regular basis, despite the fact that you always decline. And the one time you went to a party at their house, it ended up being the two of you playing Taboo. The Get-a-Lifer is often the same person who plans meetings at 6 p.m. on Fridays, not realizing that everyone else goes out with their friends on the weekend.
bealluc, Flickr
Listserv Leech: If someone has taken this person's lunch out of the fridge, the entire staff will be notified via the staff listserv, which everyone else uses exclusively for professional communication. Alternately, this person may use the listserv to let everyone know about the lack of toilet paper in the bathroom, a party they're throwing, or to ask who took that package off their desk.
Angry Typist: The Angry Typist pounds on her keyboard with the vigor of someone hitting their ex-boyfriend. The violent clacking leads to many misunderstandings, as this person is often unaware of their problem and is not actually pissed.
.faramarz, Flickr
The Toilet Mouth: You're on the pot midstream (or worse) when the Toilet Mouth strikes up a conversation. This person also likes to chatter at the sink for before and after they go, giving no one in the bathroom privacy to do their business.
Megan *, Flickr
Monday Manic: The coffee hasn't hit your bloodstream yet, and the Monday Manic is flittering about, imbued with an unnatural amount of energy and optimism. They're telling stories about how freaking great their weekend was and so stoked about the work they get to do that day.
Old News Hound: OMG, did you hear that Lindsay Lohan is dating a girl!? The Old News Hound is always the last to know about everything, but the first to belt out at a stale headline at full-volume to their surrounding coworkers.
Rash Revealer:This person has no shame getting on the phone with their doctor, their spouse, their aunt, or their mom to discuss a rash, a yeast infection, and any other personal bodily defect or medical issue.
maydaFUNKbewithu!, Flickr
The Chit-Chat Blaster: If this person catches you in the break room or on your way out of the bathroom, you're done for a half an hour later they're still yammering away about the paint samples they're considering for the livingroom, the deli they ate at for lunch, the meeting the boss called earlier, the diet they're on. The Chit-Chat Blaster also doesn't notice you inching away, and generally lack the ability to pick up social cues.













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Tuesday 10 March
By Melanie
I am only 22 years old and do not have any children yet, but what people fail to see with cell phones is that they really are more helpful than hurtful. I dont not believe anyone should have a cell phone until they start driving, but I do believe they can be life savers in the event of an accident, flat tire, etc. You may have survived in the 90s without cell phones or earlier on, but things are much more different today. The problem was that this girl was obviously not talking to her parents enough and they were not talking to her. As it usually goes with most girls and guys this age. It cannot be stressed enough how important a strong relationship with the parents can really change a life. More involvement people! Less judgement... Those girls are in my prayers as well as all the others who have taken their lives over something like this...
Tuesday 10 March
By rated R
THE REAL PROBLEM IS THAT THESE YOUNG LADIES NEED TO DEVELOPE MORE OF A BACK BONE. THEY KNOW ONCE THEY SEND THE PICS THERE IS THAT POSSIBILITY SOME JERK MIGHT SHOW THEM OFF ESPECIALLY IN THE CASE OF A BREAK UP, SO IF THEY STILL CHOSE TO SEND THEM THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE BACKLASH AND TELL ALL NAE SAYERS WHERE TO SHOVE IT. PARENTS CANNOT CONTROL THESE ACTIVITIES CAUSE AS SOON AS THEY SEND THE PIC I'M SHORE THEY DELETE THEM GETTING RID OF ALL EVIDENCE.
Tuesday 10 March
By lucy
I am amazed at how young Kids are becoming so sexually active. It is more of a "TREND" than anything else. Kids want to fit in and I get that, but still I am amazed. I have a 15 year old niece and 16 year old Siter in Law and I am thrown for a loop to hear what is going on with teens now. Being a LADY a real Lady is soooo out of STYLE. I crenge to think of my little princess (4) growing up. GOD help Us.
Tuesday 10 March
By moodyst
come on parents...dont be stupid and think just because you don't buy your kids a phone they dont have access to the same things others kids have.
1> If your kid has a computer in school,friends house, your house, or any other place they are just a vanerable
2> they boyfriend/girlfriend/ best friend and take the pic then text it out.
3> teenagers lie....yes your little angel is lying to just like you lied to your parents.
so give them the space just monitor it...be smart cause they can get access anywhere
Tuesday 10 March
By Navnee
I am afraid that this is a case of not seeing the forest for the trees. The main problem is not the photographs persay (though why would girls want to send nude photographs anywhere? Is there no shame in being seen nude by all and sundry? Haven't their families taught them it is wrong? If outside influence is stronger than home influence, there is something wrong somewhere!) It is really a case of bullying by girls and, from what I have observed, most often is due to competition for some boy's attention! From what I see, the bullies believe that making the target of some boy's affection/attraction miserable will make her retire from the scene in tears. Personally I feel that if the boy does not then continue to pursue the girl and gives in to the bullies, he is worthless.
It is sad that women do not respect other women and will do anything to catch a man..something I find reprehensible. When mothers themselves indulge n such behaviour, how will the daughters know it is wrong? (My apologies to the mothers and daughters who do not indulge in such behaviour.) I think the problem of female bullying is not just limited to teens but is far more widespread, even to women in their 20s and 30s. Until the men show some backbone and stop behaving like spoilt little boys for whom women are just toys and any woman will do if the one they like is bullied off the scene, such incidents, in different forms, may continue.(My apologies to the men who do not behave in this way, but I have seen far to many men behaving in this way to pretend it does not exist.)
Tuesday 10 March
By Emily
When I was in middle school this guy that I barely knew started a completely unfounded rumor that I offered him a blow job for a cigarette. Despite the fact that his statement had absolutely no basis in truth and was completely out of character for me (I didn't even smoke cigarettes) I was ridiculed by the girls, and even some of the guys, in my school. In fact, the nickname "BJ" stuck with me through highschool. I came out of it a stronger person and I certainly never had the urge to kill myself. Trust me, not having cell phones won't protect your kids from the cruelty of their peers. You just have to hope that you were a good enough parent to impart the wisdom that this too shall pass.
Tuesday 10 March
By kris198921
having cell phones has nothing to do with it, the problem is when people are too immature to handle the responsibility of owning one. and not just kids but some adults too are to immature. this girl was probably just to unstable to handle it, and her parents should have seen it coming.
Tuesday 10 March
By Trevor
i know a girl that sexted a pic but her bf black mailed her but she wanteed too kill herself but i was there for her and then we dated and are still dating and i am always there for her and i will never let her do it again.... u guys dont understand how a teenager feels after thy send the message cut them some slack i think they get enough shit from there parents and the cops, and then the people at school s many girls want too kill themselves becuase they sent pictures like that all u guys do is give them shit about it. U guys are basically the reason that most girls commit sucide think about it
Tuesday 10 March
By Midge
In addition to a cell phone, they can use a webcam off a laptop or PC, so cell phones are not the only avenue
Tuesday 10 March
By laicey
Im a teenager and I just graduted in May just like Jessica Logan did. School now and days isn't as easy as it was when you or our parents went to school. We are always getting harrested for something stupid and schools don't do anything about it. I think that your kids should have cell phones for the simple fact is what if somebody kidnapped one of your kids or all or your kids? I have had a cell phone since I was 15 almost 16. My parents have sprint and they have a thing that sprint calls a family locater. It locates your kids to see where they are at at all times. Im 19 and still to this day my mom and my step dad check to see where im at. It gets annoying sometimes but I realize that if I get kidnapped my parents can find out exactly where im at or within a few yards or of where im at. I know that us kids do stupid stuff but I was always tought that kids need to live and learn.
Thanks,
Laicey
Tuesday 10 March
By Let's Get Ready
You have to remember....
It's not just cell phones. Almost ever family has a computer these days...whether it be a laptop or a desktop. Digital camera are the rage for family vacations. Cell phones aren't the only culprit here... Think about it. All it takes is just 20 minutes alone - camera, computer, scanner/printer. Viola!!!
Tuesday 10 March
By Dana
If you think cell phones are the only way to leak a naked pic of your kids than you are in denial... Sex is a big part of teans these days and they are going to do it regardless of whether they have a phone or not...Try cameras maybe the guy taking the pic has a cell phone think outside of the box and dont be so narrow minded.
Tuesday 10 March
By Sandy
It doesn't matter if your kids have cellphones or not, they will find a way to do other things that could ruin their lives. You have to get involved in your kids lives so they trust you. Open your eyes to what your kids are doing on a daily basis. My kids have cellphones and I will definately be talking to them about this!
Tuesday 10 March
By Dina
It's truly shocking to me how ignorant some of these comments are. People, the year is 2009. Personally, I feel much safer that my 15 year old daughter has a cell phone. I know that she can contact me in case of an emergency and I can reach her when I know I'm running late. Parents, talk to your children!!!! ALL THE TIME!!! Teach your kids to be confident and respectful of themselves and others around them. Technology isn't to blame. Poor parenting is.
Tuesday 10 March
By kj
They do make cell phones that are not cameras. I amnot sure youngchildren really need cellphones, but like anything else, if used responsibly, ateen with a cell is not a bad thing. There is an old saying, "guns do not kill, people do" it is the same as cellphones. Cell phones do not cause problems, it is the people that use the cellphones that cause problems.
Tuesday 10 March
By gheri white
my daughter was the victum of cyber bullying on facebook. she did not invite a girl to a party and the girl became inraged and distored pictures of her on facebook with nasty comments. I immediately contacted the school, printed out the horrible pictures, and went to the parents home, if it persists i will go foward even if it is legal action. the girl is unstable and i am affraid for her because she is troubled, but i am going to monitor my daugher, to make sure she is able to move on from this..even though this girl was suspended she still cannot pass my daughter without making comments.PS my daughter is OFF facebook.
Tuesday 10 March
By Tsoldano
What the hell is wrong with these kids? My kids have cell phones and they would NEVER do this. And if some one did do this with any of my kids I would sue the hell out out of their parents. It’s these damn parents that don’t give a crap about what their kid’s are doing. I am so sick of hearing about this kind of crap and I blame the parents for not teaching their kids right from wrong. It’s always that bratty little skank that’s the trouble maker. If you can’t be a good parent don’t have kids! Sorry I'm not yelling at you but I am yelling at the flakey ass parents out there.
Tuesday 10 March
By Rex Manchesian
This is a tragedy that went on far to long ---
First the Guy who posted the picture should be help accountable -- for posting a picture without the consent of the girl.
Second -- the school should be held accountalbe for letting the harrasment go on -- thye have it inthere power to council --the Kids invloved
Third The mom should have been more active in what was going on --- I know ,thats a hard one to swollow but the mom should have ben in touch more with what ws goign on -- SHE KNEW There was harrasment goign on --yet she let her daughter dictate to her how it ws to be handled. - I remember my mother on several occasions in my youth went right to the source of or tormentors an the harrasemt stop. An my mom was only 4 ft 9n tall yet when it came to her children she was 10 ft tall an a ball of hell an brimstone when it came to defending us. --- an the same held true if we where at fault we where held accoutable for our actions. I know hte mom in htis case tried to intervien but she let her Teen daughter decide hte course of action an she should hav known better, --
The kid that dismented the picture should be charged with child mpornography-- Assualt -- an anything else they can find on the books
Well thats it
Tuesday 10 March
By Pat
Ok now; we all know that cell phones are not to blame here. It has to be the idiot of an x-boy friend that sent out the pictures. What business did he have doing that? Yeah you ask me, I think he should take full responsibility for the girls death. And so sould all the girls that callled her slut. Kids not to mention adults now a days have to respect for others. Ok world stop being so cold and get a heart, Feel some care of the human race.
Friday 13 March
By Chris
Sexting is not the problem. The real problem has been getting worse in this country for years and that is sexphobia. Clinically speaking, the US population has gone on a hysterical tirade against sex for decades now. This social disease causes us to be afraid of nudity and to ignorantly think that even though God makes people sexual at the onset of puberty or before that we can somehow control this most natural of all behaviors.
In Innus Beag people still shower in their clothes when they are alone so as not see their own bodies. That is the mentality that Americans are embracing and it is in direct opposition with the technological future we hav ahead of us.
That girl commited suicide out of shame. What she did was a natural inclination. The only answer is for the government to support social programs to get us over our sexphobic illness as a people. You will never contol mother nature/god with laws.