So this is the latest controversy in my son's school...
A 13 year old, 7th grade female student sent a naked photo (via text) to another 13 year old 7th grade male student.
The male student showed the photo (maybe even forwarded via text) to another male friend (possibly more than one friend) and someone told either a parent or a teacher.
The female student was suspended for one day.
The male student was suspended for several days. Rumor has it, the police got involved, and now he is required to register as a sex offender for a certain amount of time for receiving and sending child pornography.
*did you ever think you would read the words "sex offender" and "child pornography" on this blog??? Geesh!"
Is it possible that this child really had to register as a sex offender?
I found this post about the consequences of sexting on the FBI.gov website when I Googled this issue.
Any other thoughts?
ps (this incident sparked a lengthy (uncomfortable) discussion with my 3 boys about inappropriate texts)
A Juvenile Offender who was adjudicated delinquent in this Commonwealth of one or more of the below offenses, or who was adjudicated delinquent in another jurisdiction or foreign country as a consequence of having committed an offense similar to one or more of the below offenses, shall register for life.
ReplyDelete18 Pa.C.S. § 3121 (relating to Rape).
18 Pa.C.S. § 3123 (relating to Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse).
18 Pa.C.S. § 3125 (relating to Aggravated Indecent Assault).
An adjudication of an attempt, solicitation or conspiracy to commit an offense under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121, 3123, or 3125.
A Juvenile Offender who is required to register in a sexual offender registry in another jurisdiction or foreign country as a consequence of having been adjudicated delinquent for an offense similar to an offense which, if committed in this Commonwealth, would not require the individual to register, shall register for a period of time equal to that required of the individual in the other jurisdiction or foreign country.
something similar to this happened with my son, he was in 8th grade. He saw the picture on another kids phone during band. I picked him up early that day for an orthodontist appt, and I knew something was wrong as soon as he got in the car. he was mortified for this girl who was his friend as well as disgusted that the picture was being shown. We talked about it at length and I asked his permission to call the school. ( I would have either way but wanted to give him the oppurtunity to be a part of it!) Long story short, the kid who had requested the pic and was showing it around got suspended and put in off campus school for the rest of the year. No legal action that I know of. I have mixed emotions about it, I however do not thing these kids are sex offenders... specially considering sexting is still a pretty new thing.
ReplyDeleteAs parents we are navigating this completely foreign world when it comes to media and technology. It's so scary and uncertain! I'm just thankful my own kids weren't involved - but will they be next time? Oh I hope not!
ReplyDeletehttp://scribbit.blogspot.com/search/label/interviews%20and%20guests this is a post from a criminal defense attorney in Wash. DC posted in 2010 about sexting.
ReplyDeleteIt's an extreme over-reaction by people who are alternately freaked out, then paralyzed out of common sense. The ways in which our kids can get themselves into trouble and not get out are scary nowadays, no? Laws are laws - but why can't some basic good sense enter in? It makes our jobs as parents even trickier, for sure.
ReplyDeleteMy comment disappeared. If it shows back up, I guess I will just look like a dork.
ReplyDeleteI have a 13 year old son, and I think the chances of him showing a friend a naked picture that was texted to him is pretty high. "Hey dude, you're never going to believe the text I got...". Hopefully the chances of girls texting him naked pictures is low. I am glad you posted this-it motivated a long and uncomfortable conversation with my son as well.
My son got an iphone last week and added instagram. He had about 70 followers in the first day. Thinking of this post, I scrolled through pics and profiles. All but 3 were fine, but we deleted 3 "friends". One had posted something super vulgar that had gone completely over my son's head. Another black kid referred so my son in a post affectionately as the n word. I am sure he meant it as a compliment, but there was no way I was leaving that up.I third used the "f" work liberally and listed smoking pot as one of his interests. He said wasn't great friends with them, they just asked to follow and he accepted and I kinda think he was a little grateful I told him to unfollow them. We teach our kids to friends with everyone, but we need to teach them it is ok to say to no social media "friendships". Anyone posting about sex,drugs, or racial epitaphs is just not someone you want to be linked to.