Two words: photo scandals. These days when we open up a newspaper or a magazine we see stories about the latest celebrity photo scandal.

From Rihanna’s recently publicised naked pictures to High School Musical actress Vanessa Hudgens’s revealing – to say the least – photographs. Is this a new trend that has booted sultry celebrity sex tapes out of the window?

One can only imagine. But what do raunchy pictures and sex tapes of these people we call role models and style icons convey to today’s teens?

Take, for instance, the latest Hollywood star to jump on this bandwagon: Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus.

Miss Cyrus has been at the centre of controversial pictures such as a semi-topless photoshoot to several photos posing in her underwear.

Some Hannah Montana fans have posted their concerns regarding celebrity photo scandals, particularly Miss Cyrus’s. Such comments include: “She is a terrible role model” and “Shame on you, Miley!”

Miss Cyrus’ hardcore fans however, have supported the 16-year-old, arguing that it’s “what all 16-year-olds do” and protests such as “Leave Miley alone” have swamped online forums.

Furthermore, some say: “We are not constantly monitored like Miley, and maybe she’s just acting out and proving she’s not a goody two-shoes?”

Celebrities should be aware that there is a risk if they post bare-all pictures, not only to their careers but to their fans who could be influenced to think: “Well, if she’s doing it, so should I!”

Social networking websites, such as Bebo, Facebook and Myspace, are home to teenagers such as Miss Cyrus who bare their flesh.

From wearing bikinis to flashing their tums, teenagers in today’s society have no fear of their photos being viewed by friends, family and, in some cases, strangers.

This is the norm, and some suggest we should let teenagers do what they want regardless of the possible danger involved. If people find these photos, they may be tempted to post them to their friends and on websites.

One teen’s revealing picture from her Facebook circulated around her school, insults followed and her friends ditched her. Situations like this can ruin a teenager’s reputation, all for the sake of a belly button.

We all like a good gossip. Without photo scandals how will magazines and newspapers striving for a juicy story cope? Moreover, how will us normal folk find something to laugh at and joke: “It’s their own fault”?

Photo scandals are in some ways a good thing. It gives us somebody to gossip about, and gives magazines and newspapers a good story.

However, for the younger generation, maybe such ‘crimes’ should be best left avoided, and celebrities should take note of this – think of the children!