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It has been making headlines overseas and now a fad in cellphone texting is causing concern in New Zealand.
Sexting, sending explicit pictures by cellphone, is gaining popularity among many Kiwi teenagers unaware they could be breaking the law.
It is the shadowy side of modern technology that is ringing alarm bells with New Zealand police and welfare agencies.
"It is shocking when you hear that this stuff actually does happen in New Zealand," says Kendyl Smith from Attitude Youth.
Sexting is when teens send explicit photos of themselves to each other, using cellphones or the internet. And often this can end badly.
"We're aware of many young people who've made sexually explicit images and after the relationship has broken down one of those parties has shared those images," says John Feguarty from Netsafe.
Teens who sext are risking more than just embarrassment, they are risking breaking the law.
"If you're under the age of 16, then you're producing sexual images of a young person and that's against the law in New Zealand," says Feguarty.
Keith Manch from the Department of Internal Affairs says it does not matter who is doing it or whether its voluntary or not, the issue is whether the image itself is objectionable.
A recent American survey found one in five US teenagers had engaged in sexting. No information is available in New Zealand but those on the front line say they are seeing similar numbers.
The problem with sexting is in distribution as once the images are sent they are nearly impossible to get back.
If caught, sexters can potentially be charged under three laws in New Zealand. The most serious under the Films, Video and Classifications Act which comes with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
As well as the deterrent, there are calls for the focus to also be on prevention.
"It's important for schools and parents and caregivers to also play a role," says Feguarty.
