Authorities in Virginia have broken up what they describe is an Instagram-based sexting ring involving more than 100 teens.

Police recovered more than 1,000 nude and racy photos of youth—mostly girls—between the ages of 14 and 17. Many of them were emblazoned with hashtags so friends and members would have an easier time finding them.

Salacious pictures technically are forbidden on Instagram, and the photo-swapping service cooperated with law enforcement to bring the ring to an end.

Technically, all the participants could be charged with distributing child pornography, but officials say it’s unlikely. “Our goal is not to go out and label 100-plus teenagers as sex offenders,” says Maj. Donald Lowe, a member of the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office. “What we really want to do is bring this issue to parents’ attention.” (NBC News)

Paul Asay has covered religion for The Washington Post, Christianity Today, Beliefnet.com and The (Colorado Springs) Gazette. He writes about culture for Plugged In and wrote the Batman book God on the Streets of Gotham (Tyndale). He lives in Colorado Springs with wife, Wendy, and his two children. Follow him on Twitter.