"If your children are armed with this type of technological capability, they're vulnerable," he said. "Don't be afraid to do something. Learn what you can and can't control through your cell-phone provider. Set rules. Have an open dialogue with children."

Rawlings argued that the sexualization of society, propelled by pornographic material, is affecting children's judgment and behavior. Most of the teenagers who were taking and passing along naked photos of themselves were "good kids," he said. "They are so bombarded with sexual material that this is somewhat normal to them," Rawlings said. "It may even be considered socially acceptable. This is the type of stuff they see."

Rawlings expressed concern that society's casual attitude about pornography may contribute to sex crimes.

"I can't remember being involved in a case dealing with a sexual offense against a child where porn wasn't a tie-in," he said. Fraser Bullock, founder of Citizens Against Pornography, agreed that pornography is one of the biggest dangers facing today's youth.

"We need to focus on the rising generation because we know how at risk they are," he said. "Let's protect those kids and those innocent minds."

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E-mail: estuart@desnews.com