While the intent of new technology is usually good, it often comes with problems making sure people aren't doing things they're not supposed to do.

Some teenagers have turned to sending nude or semi-nude images to others on their cell phone, an event called "sexting".

According to a story in the The Columbus Dispatch one in five teens has sent or posted nude or seminude photos of themselves, according to a recent study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Pictures are often transmitted via cell phones, e-mails or Web postings, and can be spread quickly.

The paper reported the issue has caught the attention of at least one state lawmaker who is worried that teens could run into harsh criminal penalties for sending or receiving such pictures.

Rep. Ron Maag, R-Lebanon, said he will soon introduce a bill making the creation, exchange and possession of nude materials between minors a first-degree misdemeanor, the Dispatch reports.

In January, The News-Herald wrote about the issue in a story by staff writer Jacob Lammers. The article also includes a video of students discussing the topic.

-- John Arthur Hutchison: JHutchison@News-Herald.com