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Louisa hopes humorous app will curtail teen sexting epidemic

Posted at 11:35 PM, Aug 28, 2014
and last updated 2014-08-28 23:35:09-04

LOUISA COUNTY, Va.  -- Back in April, there was a massive teen sexting investigation that involved over 100 teens in Virginia.

teensThe investigation started in Louisa County and has since motivated Louisa County's Commonwealth Attorney, Rusty McGuire to look for more ways to stop teen sexting.

"The danger message, the illegal message, it's not getting the message across," said McGuire.

On Thursday night, McGuire discussed the dangers of the crime and talked about a new phone app that he and others hope will become another resource to prevent teens from giving into peer pressure.

cam2 "When a 14-year-old or 15-year-old is being pressured for a picture, they're learning everyone is doing it and they get that pressure and need an out," said McGuire.

The app is called "Send This Instead." It launched several weeks ago by Joseph Versace of Ontario, Canada.

With the app, teenagers have the option to send different humorous responses to anyone that may ask them for an inappropriate picture.

"It's a way to light heartedly say no, and that's what the young people need," said McGuire.

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CBS 6's Chelsea Rarrick spoke with two teen brothers in Louisa County who believe this new kind of app will be beneficial to people their age.

sendthis"They'll get hte humor and get a kick out of it," said teen, Eliajah Christmas. "I laughed in the presentation, I'll use it."

The teens said they know just how difficult peer pressure can be at times.

"It's hard to say no period, so maybe this will be a their way out," said Christmas.