Child pornography laws that mean teens could be charged for using mobile phones to share revealing images of themselves are "excessive and hyped" and need amending, according to a report.

A study led by the University of NSW has found young people are surprised by the legal penalties for sexting, and don't consider all naked or semi-naked pictures as inherently shameful.

The study on sexting focused on 16 to 17-year-olds who are over the age of sexual consent but could face charges for texting photos or video considered to be child pornography by law.

Dr Kath Albury, from UNSW's Journalism and Media Research Centre, said the study found laws need to be updated to take into account the popularity of sexting among young people.

Dr Albury said all Australian jurisdictions need clear guidelines stating child pornography laws do not apply to consensual images shared between young people.