First off, I'm not saying that this girl is at fault, I'm not saying it's her parents fault. I know that if my daughter isn't taught how to be safe on the internet it will be my fault. There are many kids who parents know the internet isn't a totally wholesome place but who don't have a real conversation about possible consequences and safe practices. If you have a relationship with a young person who looks up to you and listens to you take the time to talk about the possible consequences of sexting and video chat. I had a relative sit me down for talk about the consequences of dangers of various drugs when I was about thirteen, I think it prevented me from putting myself into some dangerous situation that might have ruined my life. I think the internet talk could be like that.
I agree, education is very important in preventing things like this. I've done some stupid things in the past online and I'm just glad that nothing ever became of them. I'm not sure if kids receive any information about the dangers of revealing things online but I hope the formation of some sort of education program comes out of this at the least.
I'd like to point out, extrapolating from the only areas to my knowledge that are well researched regarding preventing undesirable behavior (alcohol and tobacco), that education has very limited effect (e.g. Lustig RH et al. Nature 2012; 482: 27). I am not saying that educating/increasing awareness of children and adolescents is futile, but when it comes to having a significant impact the only measure able to do the job is regulation (sad, I know, kinda makes me dystopic). So I am gonna go ahead and say that I am pro regulation on this issue.