PORTLAND, Ore. -- The popularity of cell phone text messaging has led to a new and controversial trend for students and parents on Portalnd-area high schools.

'Sexting' A Problem, Teens Say

Teens told Portland TV station KPTV that many of their classmates are using cell phones to take and send explicit photos. They said "sexting" is a major problem at most campuses in Portland.

Anton Bogan, a local high school student, said "9.7 times out of 10, it's a nasty photo."

By texting, students keep their conversations secret because they're not talking on the phone. They can even use their phones in the classroom.

"I'd rather text than talk on the phone," said 17-year-old Darrell Keyes. "I waste, like, 4,000 text messages in a month."

But texting inappropriate photos can turn into a criminal matter.

In Utah, "sexting" led to criminal charges when a parent had found an explicit photo and called police. Several students at one school were found to be texting inappropriate photos.

Portland-area prosecutors said parents can also face charges if they know their child is sending racy pictures and allowing it to continue.

Students said the worst part is that one photo can get to dozens of people in a matter of minutes and the photo can end up in the wrong hands.

"(With) the Internet, things can get out," said student Heather Taylor. "You know that when you take a picture in the first place."