Sexting in Schools

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Tuesday, 04 August 2009 08:41

Houston Independent School District is considering a revision to the Code of Conduct. The revision, which prohibits sexting, could never have been anticipated when the Code of Conduct was written.

School districts across the county have tried various methods to keep cell phone use out of the schools. Cell phones have been used by students for cheating on tests, spreading gossip, recording teacher’s words out of context, and sexting, or sending risqué photos via cell phone.

Many of us adults remember the first time we saw such a photo in a Playboy or Playgirl magazine. I sure do. I didn’t know the person in the photo, and I didn’t have any way to show the photo to anyone else. Only the few kids present at the time saw it. Other kids only heard about it at school the next day in bragging whispers.

That’s all changed with cell phones. Photos are spread with lightning speed throughout one school and on to the next, and plastered on the internet with names attached. A reputation can be ruined before the final bell rings.

School districts are acting quickly to find solutions to the problem by prohibiting cell phone use during the school day and setting firm punishments for violations. But parents need to get involved immediately to help stop the problem. Talk to your children about the problem and your views on it, and be sure they understand that, while they may not be able to control what is sent to their phone, they can control what is sent from their phone. Under no circumstance are they to forward any inappropriate photo or text message. Check your cell phone bill to see if photos are being sent from your child’s phone, and demand to see the photos. Be sure your child provides you with the password to his or her phone. Require that the cell phone be in a set place, such as a recharger in the kitchen, at 9 pm every night. Consider downgrading your child’s phone to a “Go Phone” without a camera. Check with your provider to find out if certain services can be deleted from your cell phone plan. Most importantly, talk to your children and stay in touch with the parents of their friends. You might be surprised at what you find out.

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