SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- It's a dangerous new trend among teens and now one local official is trying to make sure high schoolers know just what they're getting into with so-called "sexting."

If you've never heard of it, sexting is sending sexually-explicit text messages or pictures of yourself or someone else over a cell phone.

Saratoga County District Attorney Jim Murphy spoke out about its dangers Monday night at Shenendehowa High School, saying these pictures can quickly reach more people than just the intended recipient.

"It's something I think people are doing without really thinking before they send the message or the picture. Not realizing that they'll never get that back again," Murphy said.

"I think everyone in this school even will tell you that they know someone or other who’s experienced something related to sexting and I mean, it's really tough on them and I wouldn't wish that upon anyone," said Shenendehowa junior Katya Lapina.

Reports say 20 percent of teens are participating in sexting without realizing they are subjecting themselves to serious criminal consequences.