The practice of sending, receiving or sharing provocative photos, known as “sexting”, is viewed by many as flirtatious and commonplace in the age of smart phones.

Police though are warning it can carry serious penalties.

“All people should be seriously conscious of online security,” Cootamundra Local Area Command (LAC) sergeant Damian Nott said.

“It is a criminal offence to produce and disseminate provocative images of anyone under the age of 18. Police will investigate, and any device involved will be seized as evidence and destroyed.”

NSW legislation allows for mobile phones to be destroyed if any person is found guilty and convicted of offences including “Production, dissemination or possession of child abuse material”. 

In recent weeks seven young people in the Cootamundra LAC had their mobile phones destroyed after they were found to be sexting and distributing provocative images of themselves to friends.

The phones were valued in excess of $500 each.

Mr Nott warns though that sexting can have “far-reaching” consequences beyond losing your smart phone.

“Individuals and families can get caught up in a criminal investigation, which can have an obvious effect on your future,” he said.

“There are predators in society and young people are exposing themselves to risk factors. You can never guarantee the security of images you share.”

Young people are increasingly aware of the danger of sexual predators online, but may let their guard down with friends or partners.

Organisations including the Australian Human Rights Commission are currently trying to bring in stricter privacy laws to deter “revenge porn”.

The concerning trend sees former partners or friends using sexually suggestive images to blackmail, bully, embarrass or harass victims.

The message from police to young people is a simple one: don’t send or publish images of yourself and don’t distribute any sent to you.