Recently read the following article:
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/01/07/sexting-common-linked-to-sex-among-high-risk-youth/?intcmp=features
This link above is an article that discusses how a researcher in a Rhode Island hospital conducted a study in which he found middle school students with behavioral or emotional problems to be at a higher risk for sexting and for engaging in sexual activity. Each of us have students at our schools with various challenges, and I have unfortunately had to deal with students before that have made these poor decisions. I was curious what your thoughts are in response to this article, and if any of you have words of wisdom that may benefit us all as we work to point the children under our care in the right direction.
I have dealt with this issue several times over the past 10 years and creation of cameras on phones. It all returns to the need for digital literacy at an early age with great emphasis on digital footprints students create and leave. We continue as educators, to expect parents will take the lead, but reality is, they have a few conversations with them and maybe make the "you see what will happen" comments of a news report, and hope for the best. Teachers and SRO's must engage students in real conversations, coupled with structured lessons that focus on this topic.
ReplyDeleteThe spectrum is wide as to why students would do this, peer pressure, curiosity, etc..but in the end, children are children and must learn. Many can be easily taught and reinforced through good curricular activities. Together we can all make a difference in this area.
As an assistant principal I have dealt with this issue on several occasions. Parents should educate their children on this matter, unfortunately many times I find this is not taking place. Parents seemed shocked when they are notified of the material that their children are sending and receiving. Apps such as snap chat mislead children into believing that some of these images disappear within seconds. It is important to educate not on the students, but their parents as well. I believe the SRO can play a valuable role in helping with this education.
ReplyDeleteI believe it takes a partnership between the parent, school, and the SRO to all help educate these students.
ReplyDeleteOver the last few years I have seen an increase in sexting even as early as the 6th grade. I agree with Lee, we do expect parents to take the lead but we really do need to start having those conversations with our students. If students do not hear it from anyone, they are more likely to get involved. We have started having this conversation with our 6th grade students in the early spring coinciding with “the talk”. The students do not understand that not only is it morally wrong, but they are in jeopardy of getting into serious trouble with the law. It is important for them to understand the likely consequences that will come if they were to engage in this type of behavior. I think sometimes as educators we need to have those tough discussions with our students. Many of our parents are fearful to have those conversations with their children or just don't know what to say. This is a great way to involve our SRO's in the development of our children. We must work in conjunction with parents, the community, our teachers, and our law enforcement to educate students and parents alike.
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