KALEY ROBERTS CPSY 646 FACULTY IN-SERVICE Sexting

Presentation Overview What is ‘Sexting’? Why is ‘sexting’ important to know about? Why do teens participate in ‘Sexting’? Dangers of ‘Sexting’ Laws Regarding ‘Sexting’ (including Indiana laws) Tips for Preventing ‘Sexting’ What can schools do to prevent ‘Sexting’? How can teachers prevent ‘sexting’ in the classroom?

What is “Sexting”? ‘Sexting’ is the act of sending (or texting) pictures of a sexual nature between cell phones or other electronic media.  It is often done between minors.

Why is this important to know? According to a nationwide survey by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, some 20% of teens admit to participating in ‘sexting’.  1 in 5 teens ages reported having sent a sexually suggestive image According to the American Association of School Administrators, ‘sexting’ can have ramifications not only for students, but also for teachers, principals, administrators, and school districts.  In Seattle, parents are suing the school district on claims that the school did not handle a ‘sexting’ case between two students properly  In Virginia, an assistant principal was charged with possession of child pornography after investigating a ‘sexting’ case at his school.  It is important that school employees must learn to safeguard themselves against this issue.

Why do teens participate in ‘Sexting’? Teens participate in ‘sexting’ for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:  Peer pressure  Bullying or Blackmail purposes  Boyfriends/Girlfriends willingly sharing images between the two of them.  Boyfriends/Girlfriends sharing images of themselves or others outside of their relationship  To show off or to get revenge after a fight or breakup  Sending pictures of oneself to someone he/she wants to date as a way of flirting.

Dangers of ‘Sexting’ Legal Consequences  Teens (as well as anyone else involved) who ‘sext’ may face charges of producing, possessing, and/or distributing child pornography. Social Consequences  Teens may face social consequences, such as being judged or excluded by their peers, communities, and families.  They may also become targets of mean comments, rumors, and harassment Future Consequences  Images they send may also follow them forever, affecting their future academic, social, and employment opportunities

Laws Regarding ‘Sexting’ What can happen legally largely depends on what jurisdiction you live in and how police and prosecutors are applying the law to the scenario Many legislators are pushing to not treat juvenile ‘sexting’ as a felony crime, but the possibility remains because:  People involved in creating, sending, or even receiving a nude or sexually explicit photo of someone under 18 can be charged with production, distribution, or possession of child pornography Ohio has implemented a “diversion program” to prevent prosecuting teens for ‘sexting’ cases.  Young people who enter the diversion program undergo education on appropriate sexual boundaries and related topics, do community service and relinquish their cell phone for a period of time. If the program is successfully completed, the charges are dismissed or never filed.

Indiana Laws regarding ‘Sexting’ In Indiana, ‘sexting’ can result in charges of crimes against a minor in creating, possession, and distribution of child pornography. Indiana's possession of child pornography law states it is illegal to make or transfer sexual material involving a child under 18 years of age. The offense is a felony, punishable by up to eight years in prison.  To possess sexual material involving a child under 16 years of age is a felony punishable by up to three years in prison. If charged, defendants must automatically register for the Indiana sex offender registry Juveniles 14 and older charged for ‘sexting’ will also be registered as sex offenders.

Tips for Preventing ‘Sexting’ Talk about it.  Teachers and parents should open the lines of communication about this issue with teens. In a non-threatening way, ask teens what they know about ‘sexting’ and if they have ever received these messages. Don’t do it!  Encourage teens to never take images of themselves that they wouldn’t want everyone to see (classmates, teachers, family, employers, etc.) because chances are, they will. Understand the consequences.  Taking, sending, or forwarding a sexual picture of someone underage could lead to humiliation, getting kicked off of sports teams, losing educational opportunities, and getting in trouble with the law.

Tips for Preventing ‘Sexting’ Remember that it is illegal  You could be charged with producing or distributing child pornography.  If you keep them on your phone or computer, you could be charged with possession of child pornography  If they are sent to someone in another state, you could be charged with a federal felony. Before you hit send…  Remember that you can’t control where this image may end up. Don’t forward it to others.  If you forward a sexual picture of someone underage, you are as responsible for that image as the original sender. You could face child pornography charges, go to jail, and have to register as a sex offender.

Tips for Preventing ‘Sexting’ Report it.  If you receive any nude pictures on your cell phone, report it to an adult you trust.  Do not delete the message. Instead, get your parents or guardians, teachers, or school counselors involved immediately. NOTE: Some experts advise that you report the photo to your local police, but remember that this could possibly incriminate both parties.  It is usually a good idea to talk to the kids and their parents first.  If criminal intent is involved, you may want to consult a lawyer, the police, or other experts on the law in your jurisdiction.  Be aware of the possibility that child pornography charges could be filed against anyone involved.

What can schools do about ‘Sexting’? School districts should consider ways to raise awareness of and increasing education about ‘sexting’. This could include:  In-school assemblies for students  Professional development for staff  Training for school board members  Distribution of school rules and policies through student handbooks  Newsletters/correspondence to the community  Resources on the school webpage and public forums School districts may try partnering with other community organizations or public offices to provide staff trainings on bullying, cyber-bullying, and computer/internet safety (including ‘sexting’).

What can schools do about ‘sexting’? Education around ‘sexting’ can and should be aimed at the whole community when possible. This includes:  students  board members  school staff  parents  community members The main goals of the school should be to:  Increase awareness about ‘sexting’ and the possible consequences involved.  Open the lines of communication about this issue.

How can teachers prevent ‘Sexting’ in the classroom? Set rules for online conduct with students before giving them access to internet technologies. Discuss your expectations for their behavior & the consequences for failing to meet those expectations.  Include the legal and social ramifications that could accompany ‘sexting’ or sharing sexually explicit content through , blogs, or other web-based programs. Talk to students early and often about how digital information and images can travel very far & very fast.  Make students aware that the second they send a picture of themselves to someone else, they lose control of what happens to it next. If the rules are ignored, consider taking away cell phone and internet privileges.  Know your state’s laws & school’s policies regarding ‘sexting’ issues to avoid any legal ramifications.

Resources American Association of School Administrators. (2009). Sexting. Retrieved from Connect Safely. (2009). Sexting primer for parents. Retrieved from Connect Safely. (2009). Tips to prevent sexting. Retrieved from National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. (2009). Sex and Tech survey. Retrieved from National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. (2009). Tips to prevent sexting. Retrieved from Oddie, M. (2009). The Indiana law blog. Retrieved from O’Donovan, E. (2010). Sexting and student discipline. Retrieved from