Do you know what your child is doing on his or her cell phone or online?  ‘Sexting’ is a relatively new issue that has spread across schools nationwide.  It is a serious act with serious consequences.  ‘Sexting’ can be defined as pornographic or sexually explicit material, that can include text messages and photos, transferred via any electronic device.  Among students, ‘sexting’ tends to be the sending of nude photos of themselves to friends, boyfriends or girlfriends, who sometimes send them to other classmates who can then send them to anyone.

Here are some additional tips regarding teens and cell phones.

Take Action
Look at your child’s facebook, MySpace pages and emails; look at the text messages and material your child is looking at and sending on his or her cell phone.  Cellular phone companies offer parental locks, giving parents the ability to restrict text and picture messaging.
Talk with your child about the serious implications of ‘sexting,’ even of forwarding on messages from other friends.

Falcon School District 49 has the responsibility to ensure all students are safe and takes the ‘sexting’ issue very seriously.  The District has a policy that dictates the use of electronic devices during the school day and a violation of that policy can result in punishment ranging from suspension to expulsion.
‘ Sexting’ involves widespread implications for the student body and staff members.  Inappropriate material spread among students could be put on the internet or passed on to anyone, which could put a individual in danger and disrupts the educational environment.  There are also serious legal consequences, and the District wants to ensure all students and parents understand the severity of these behaviors.

Legal Consequences
Several state laws apply to ‘sexting:’
Sexual exploitation of children (felony)- for example, sending  nude picture message of a minor to a minor.  A conviction could result in up to 12 years in jail and/or a $3,000-$75,000 fine.
Promotion of obscenity to a minor (felony) – for example, sending a nude picture of an adult to a minor.  A conviction could mean a year in jail and/or up to $100,000 fine.
Unlawful sexual contact – taking a nude photo of an adult with a cell phone without consent. A conviction could mean six months in jail and/or a $500 fine.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office provides more detailed definitions and penalties of these offenses.
Being charged with any of these crimes related to ‘sexting’ can follow you forever and significantly impact your future.  You could be required to register as a sex offender locally and nationally.

Look at some internet and cell phone tips for parents from the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office.

Join the discussion about new technologies and how they connect to issues facing our students.  Learn more about the Intervention Prevention Town Hall meeting February 18.