A rise in the number of NSW teenagers sending nude photos of themselves on their mobile phones has led to warnings about the dangers of "sexting", the Daily Telegraph reported this week. 

Police said the number of girls taking part in the practice has increased because of the popularity of mobile phone cameras.

NSW sex crimes squad commander Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec said he was concerned because young people weren't taking the consequences of their actions into account.

One girl, aged about 15, was forced to leave her school after a photo of her naked was circulated.

"She thought it was all fun and games at the time," Det Kerlatec said. "No doubt it potentially was - until it turned nasty. She was that embarrassed she had to pack up and leave. She's totally ashamed of it."

Disney star Vanessa Hudgens was embarrassed after a "sexting" incident broke while she was in Australia last year. An image of the High School Musical star, showed her smiling and naked.

While many young people engaging in sexting were unaware they are committing a crime, Supt Kerlatec said NSW teens could face up to several years jail if found circulating child pornography.

Psychologist Dr Marilyn Campbell, from Queensland University of Technology, said it was parents' responsibility to make their children aware of the dangers and monitor their mobile phone and internet use.

"Schools can help by reinforcing that message," she said.

AMTA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Althaus, said preliminary advice from law enforcement agencies said that “sexting” could constitute child pornography, which carried very serious penalties.

“One of the key messages to children is think before you send a text message. The bottom line is do not send any material that you would be embarrassed about if other people saw it,” he said.

“Do not use language or pictures that may upset or offend people, including yourself, if it falls into the wrong hands.”

Parents have a key role to play in taking responsibility for ensuring their children use mobile phones responsibly and avoid potential pitfalls of extensive and/or unsupervised use of mobile phones.

Parents need to be aware of their children’s mobile phone use and monitor their activities. Parents should have a clear mobile phone policy/agreement in the home and work to see that they are adhered to.

AMTA is committed to promoting safe, responsible and affordable use of mobile telecommunications. Our industry takes measures to minimise the risks associated with the misuse of mobile technology.

We believe the positive aspects far outweigh the negative, however, we are committed to providing practical advice to help prevent misuse and promote responsible and affordable useage.

The industry has developed a range of tools to assist parents and teenagers to control/monitor/supervise their children’s use of mobile phones.

AMTA has practical advice for young people to use their mobiles in a safe and responsible manner on its website under Consumer Tips, www.amta.org.au