Sexting

Sexting

Sexting takes 30 seconds; humiliation lasts a lifetime

(AP)  Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas says he doesn't want to change Vermont's laws to lessen the potential penalties for teenagers who use their cell phones to send sexually explicit pictures and messages.

How does the public feel?

On or off school grounds...

Again...early education may be the answer.

This is becoming a big problem.

Is arrest and conviction the best way to handle this situation for teens?

There have been severe consequences, a student

in Ohio committed suicide when nude

pictures of her were circulated.

Statistics

20% of teens have admitted participating in

sexting.Source: National Campaign to Support Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (2008)

About 1/3 of teens admit either sending or receiving photos.

Students see this as fun or flirtatious activity, not

a criminal activity.

Definition

Sending or receiving nude photos of minors

Can also be messages describing sexual acts.

Why are students doing this?

Most students think of this as harmless

flirtation.

Students are thinking they are maintaining

privacy.

Parents do not know that their children are

doing this.

Students fail to realize the ease of transmission.

Students fail to realize the permanency of the

transmission.

Pictures are easy to upload on the Internet.

Society

This is not just a school problem, it is a society

problem.

Schools should not be responsible to fix this

problem alone.

Parental involvement and responsibility is needed.

Talk to their children about the risks.

Check messages of their children.

Explain appropriate use.

Legal Implications

Students are being charged with crimes.

Most teens do not know that this is against the law and could make

them a sex offender for life.

Many believe that the legal system is not the

answer.

Education may be the best answer.

As usual, Mom and Dad will defend their teens.

Administrators Response

Conduct a proper investigation.

Confiscate the cell phone.

Give student due process rights.

Determine if offense is covered by policy or law.

Same sex administrator should do the inventory

of the phone.

Stop search when “texting” evidence is

found and turn over to police.

Talk to all parties including sender and

receiver.

Determine how widespread this has

become.

If teachers or students have been found in

possession, shut down all district servers and

access to the Internet.

If in doubt, contact law enforcement.

Contact parents.

Check school district policies, student

handbook and AUP for infractions.

Invoke school penalties.

School Use of Cell Phones

Should schools ban cell phones?

Cell Phones;Discipline or

1:1 Computers

Problems for school administrators

My Students. My Cellphone. My Ordeal.By Ting-Yi OeiSunday, April 19, 2009

"High school assistant principal in Loudoun County arrested for child pornography," announced WRC's Jim Vance. "Details following the Olympics."

Facts

• Asst Principal investigated case of students sending nude pictures to each other

• Student admitted picture was his

• Reported to principal who told assistant to save on his computer

• Assistant did not know how to do this so had student email photo to assistant who then downloaded it on his computer

• Parent got mad at assistant and went to police

• Was charged with "failure to report suspected child abuse."

• In the end the charges were dismissed by assistant paid dearly in both dollars for attorney costs and personally via adverse health for he and his wife

Recommendations

Be very cautious when investigating

Be proactive

Check student discipline policy and student handbook

Check Acceptable Use Policy

Consult with district legal council

Look for guidance before removing photos etc...

Just like school administrators should not be in possession of illegal drugs taken from students, you should not be in possession of inappropriate pictures.

Establish a Chain of Command

Teach administrators and teachers how to deal with situations like these

Same sex investigator

Inform parents immediately

Inform supervisors immediately

Consult with district legal council

Call Police if you even think you should be calling police

Have a plan

Remain calm

Go slowly

Check policies and procedures

Execute the plan

Internet Awareness

Once something is put on the Internet it is

never deleted.

Students need to know about social networking sites such as Facebook

and MySpace.

The Internet is not private.

Administrators Beware

Students are now trying to disguise themselves, this means they know what they are doing is

wrong.

Check yourAcceptable Use Policy

Public Relations

Public Relations

What is the future computer for classroom use?