Week 4.1
Preventing our kids and students from the dangers of sexting and sextortion!
Sexting - sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, typically between cell phones.
Sextortion - a person is extorted with a sexually explicit image of themselves they have shared through sexting or on the Internet. This is often meant to share with someone they feel close too. They are then coerced into sharing more pictures or performing sexual acts so that this intial picture will not be shared publicly.
Students who become participants and victims of either of these horrific acts, often don't feel comfortable talking to an adult or parent about it until it's too late. It is crucial that adults educate themselves about these growing trends so that we can create lines of communication with our kids and students. It is our responsibilty to keep our kids SAFE!!!
We must begin the journey by paying attention to what is on our kids cell phones, in their email, and across chat rooms. While parents have to set some rules and expectations for these luxuries...and I call them luxuries because they are CLEARLY not neccesities...teachers must pay attention as to what is happening in our student's lives. Often, students will feel more comfortable reaching out to a teacher. We should be prepared!
Here are some resources for you to share!
http://www.teenchatdecoder.com/internet-safety-articles/top-teen-acronyms.htm
http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/parent-guide/parent-guide
Teens being blackmailed in cyber space: Sextortion is a form of cyber crime where teens post sexy pictures online and are then blackmailed.
I just thought I would share this with everyone. This happened at the high school I graduated from, it was reported today. I really don't even know what to say about this. The article said it spread quickly and I believe it 100% You really can't do anything in this town with out every single person knowing about it. It is just really sad to see it happen at this school. This is really the LAST thing this school needs after the rough couple years it has had.
ReplyDeleteMelissa R.
http://www.wtnh.com//dpp/news/litchfield_cty/sexting-incident-spreads-through-school
I can't even imagine how that young woman is coping with all of this...her reputation will be forever changed as a result of a single picture. While I certainly appreciate the instant communication that results from modern technology, this situation highlights a dark example of how personal information/ rumors are so easily disseminated to an unintended audience.
Delete-Andrea
I have an update about this situation. Basically, most of the students in the school could care less... They do not see anything wrong with what happened. The girl who sent out her picture does not care AT all. She wrote on her Facebook page saying it was here and it was worth it. She is a freshman which makes her also really young! But, seniors in the school have been saying "shit happens, get over it." I can't believe that these students do not see anything wrong with what they did or what their peers have done!
DeleteI hope more schools will see this happening and stop things like this before they can happen. As for Housy, I hope they actually have a talk with the whole student body and get them to realize how bad this really is.
Once again, I will keep everyone updated, if interested.
Melissa R.
Melissa,
DeleteIt's so sad how this young girl does not care about what happened. How do we get our students to reach that awareness? How do we get them to realize that something like this could possibly affect their futures in a negative way?
I agree, everyone including parents, teachers and our students need to be educated on how damaging this can be.
Melissa, this is a terrible thing that has happened to this young girl and even worse is her attitude toward it. I would have thought she would be DEVASTATED about this until I read your update on the situation. I truly hope this isn't the attitude that kids will be beginning to have just because stories like this are becoming more common than they ever were before. I do think it was a positive thing that the school brought in experts to talk to students and parents about internet safety. I think it's great that they reached students as young as fifth graders. I think it can only benefit to make kids aware of these issues at a young age.
DeleteIt didn't just affect the student involved. Just because the student did not care does not mean it didn't affect siblings or parents. As a parent I would be extremely embarrassed by this. The fact the girl or the students did not really care about it just goes to show how times are changing. There was a time not too long ago where there was a big controversy about the family guy CARTOON showing an entire bare butt. Even though it was a cartoon, it wasn't appropriate. It seems like almost anything goes these days. As our schools grow more diverse, there are many different cultural values as well. Many cultures don't blink an eye at public nudity.
DeleteIt is really disturbing, but just think about all the times this happens and teachers, parents or administrators don't find out! These are only the cases that become public, there are so many cases that we never find out about! It is truly sad.
DeleteThis is so sad and so scary, and actually makes me very angry--which is a feeling that this topic already instills in me. Not only does this show how public technology makes our lives, but it goes to show how selfish people are in regards to their needs, while simultaneously exhibiting an absolute insensitivity to the lives of others. This is an example of how teaching iCitizenship could be so helpful in teaching students the dangers within the oh-so-public realm of cyberspace, while also demonstrating how good citizens should treat each other--like by NOT demoralizing people by spreading such pictures around.
Delete-Chelsea
The other day I went on an interview. The director then said, I goggled you and it seems that you h ave an entertainment business. I was so caught off guard. Years ago, my sister in law and I decided that we would do some party planning, and we opened up a trade name through the town of hartford. However it has been many, many years that I have not done that any work, but it is still out there. Crazy. I have left my digital footprint. The director stated that she aked becasue she did not want for another job to cause conflict if I was hired.
DeleteL. Bunker
During the summer my daughter and her friends were in teh back yard in the swimming in the pool and taking pictures. One day I saw my daughter had put some of the pictures on her face book wall. I immediatly took the opportunity to talk to my daughter regarding digital footprints and the danger that having her picture in a bathing suit can bring. I told her she had to remove the pictures and she did. She was not upset or disagreed with me, she actually was able to undestand what I was trying to convey to her.
DeleteBunker
Melissa, this is terrible! A perfect example of why parents and teachers need to work hard at educating our children. As a mom, reading this article was truly heart-breaking. Kids, and often adults, just don't realize how public these images can be!!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNicole, it's interesting because I posted the same page from the FBI site to my blog. Hopefully parents are taking advantage of the tips and advice offered here. I found the page very informative.
DeleteI'm so glad to hear that!
DeleteI believe that the best preventative approach to curb sexual exploitation is by engaging parents, educators, and students in a discourse about appropriate communication. Several of the speakers from the iCitizenship panel spoke to the importance of teaching our children, starting with the youngest members of our society, about communicating with intentionality as they make connections, albeit virtual or face-to-face. As a kindergarten teacher, I emphasize the importance of making eye contact when we speak to our friends, greeting our classmates each morning with a handshake, and verbalizing our feelings when we get into disagreements. While the internet has broken down spatial barriers that previously inhibited communication, it has also created an artificial wall of separation that some users perceive as a "say or do anything" pass. The average teen would not "drop their drawers" at the local supermarket, yet disseminating a sexually explicit photo via texting has the potential to reach a far greater audience.
ReplyDeleteBased on the lengths that teens go to, to keep their texting/online communications under wraps (i.e. using shorthand, deleting computer history, etc.), it is evident that they can foresee an impending negative response from their caretakers if exposed, yet do not fully understand the personal consequences that they may endure as a result of their choices. Students may very well feel more comfortable seeking advice from a trusted teacher, given the stigma associated with "sexting" and the impending disappointment and/or anger from their parents. Therefore, as teachers we need to be well educated on the potential signs of sexual exploitation and then demonstrate empathy and support if/when students seek our assistance.
-Andrea
Well said Andrea. Kids and adults have to start thinking about their digital footprint and how being online is exactly like what we do in real life. There needs to be a "wake-up" call or we must start teaching kids in the younger grades to make "internet safety" more of a norm than something that is not a "top" priority.
DeleteAndrea, your point is well taken. As educators not only should we be aware of the culminations of students' activities but the precursors as well. Staying up to date and active within our students lives is vital to our success as educators. Moreover, we must continue the brick and mortar basis of all relationships (the face-to-face interactions) which, in turn, can emphasize to students the importance of positive human interaction.
DeleteMCC
This class opens my eyes more and more to how important it is to educate EVERYONE! Melissa's comment about her old highschool is so disappointing. It comes to show that if no one is going to do anything, then it's just going to keep happening. I am happy that you sent out that link with all the lingo. After Tuesday's class, I realized that I was really clueless. At first, before the activity, I felt confident that I was up to date. Boy, was I wrong! It was really hard and scary to think about what a majority of these kids' converation include. I am happy to also see that there is more awareness and materials out there for parents and adults. I feel that the more this type of awareness gets out, the better education we can give children. I will make sure I spread the word and links! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'll admit that I'm a young teacher, but even I'm not familiar with this new digital "lingo." After browsing through the websites on our syllabus, along with the resources provided on this blog, I find myself eager to share information with colleagues and friends. As educators, we don't have all the answers, but it's a willingness to learn that keeps us on top of our game.
DeleteAll success depends at last upon COLLABORATION! Well said Andrea.
DeleteMCC
This idea of sexting is an issue that is sweeping our schools, unfortunately. Just this past week I was in the hallway of the high school where I work and saw a young couple kiss goodbye as they both went to their next class. The boy, in what I can only assume was a joke, said to his girlfriend, "sext me later," as he walked toward his classroom. It's possible that it wasn't meant as a joke, but I can't be sure. Even if he said it in a joking manner, I still don't believe it's a matter to be taken lightly. Clearly, there are cases everywhere in which this is a serious issue. It's definitely one of those things that kids may not realize how detrimental it can be until it's too late. I agree that we need to encourage teachers and parents to increase awareness in our young students about these matters.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way! I feel like children take this lightly and they really have no idea how serious this is. I feel like schools and parents do not talk to their students until there has been a situation. I think it is very important to show, rather than tell, students the harmful affects it can have on people.
DeleteMelissa R.
I think it's important the children understand that they don't have to "send" explicit pictures to anyone. They may have naked pictures on their phone or on their computer that they do not send out. What happens if they lose their phone? What happens if their computer gets hacked? The images can spread like wildfire. The moral of the story is to NOT take any explicit photos of yourself unless you intend to share them with the world.
DeleteHaving worked in primary elementary education, I have not had such an encounter before (thank goodness!) but that is absolutely startling! Even more, what many students dont realize is that by exchanging sexy/nude images of each other, the law looks at that rather as an exchange of child pornography. Furthermore, once those pictures are sent out into cyberspace, who's stopping people from finding them and actually utilizing them as child porn?! Just as technology has introduced a plethora of new opportunities, it has also introduced new dangers; it is too easy now to find someone, where they live, who their relatives are, and what they look like, etc. This is also a good case for encouraging citizenship education in addition to the digital awareness. I would bet that many cases of sexting are not done willingly, but rather as a result of peer pressure. Through citizenship education, students can come to understand the negative effects of peer pressure, and how it diminishes the will power of others to stand up for themselves. iCitizenship education is a great way to instill our students with the power to make good decisions online while also knowing how to avoid bad ones.
Delete-Chelsea
During the summer my daughter and her friends were in teh back yard in the swimming in the pool and taking pictures. One day I saw my daughter had put some of the pictures on her face book wall. I immediatly took the opportunity to talk to my daughter regarding digital footprints and the danger that having her picture in a bathing suit can bring. I told her she had to remove the pictures and she did. She was not upset or disagreed with me, she actually was able to undestand what I was trying to convey to her.
DeleteBunker
In today's hyper-critical environment, I find sexting and sextortion to be a dangerous fringe for schools, parents, teachers, and communities. The access to a plethora of different medias, such as Nicole described last week in class, gives students unprecedented access to material they are not developmentally suited to handle. Each child develops as an individual, yet the community, both immediate and broad, provides the learning landscape of provisional normalcy. Today's youth are exposed and, in fact, grow up in a world of "sex." Their conversations include innuendos and sexual references which may surpass their understanding. As we move forward, I believe that this battle front requires an aggressive stand by communities on a large scale, otherwise we are asking for a tumultuous and long-term fight to allow students to progress at a more natural pace, instead of the accelerated rate which some of our media conglomerates purvey.
ReplyDeleteTeach On!
Parents need to get over the akwardness of talking to their kids about sexting. I would MUCH rather have an akward moment with my kids explaining the dangers of sexting to them than to allow sextortion happen to one of them. There is nothing worse than seeing your child in pain and talking to your kids about sexting and sextortion can prevent these issues. My heart goes out to the parents who have lost children as the result of suicide following an incident of sextortion or sexting. I cannot imagine a pain worse than losing a child and the guilt that is felt for not educating your child about the dangers.
ReplyDeleteWow! Jen, well said!
DeleteJen, I am in total agreement with you. I can think of nothing worse than a parent having to bury a child, especially from suicide.
DeleteParents have to be involved in their children's life 110% today. However, many are not for several reasons. How can children learn right from wrong if 1) their parents are not around together (a united front) and 2) go to religious services together (The Sunday School teacher in me).
There is nothing COOL about degrading a child.
We have to work together to improve our society as a whole.
I am not a parent but one day I will be and I agree that I would rather have a sextortion and sexting talk to my children then dealing with the guilt if something ever happened. Part of the problem is parents are not educated therefore they cannot educate their children. Parents need to become educated and unfortunatly some parents don't until its too late.
DeleteMany parents feel that if they talk to thier children about sex of any kind that it means that you are giving permission to take part. the truth is that kids are gonna be engaged in sex in different ways wether you want them to or not. For that reason alone, parents need to just be willing to have open lines of communitation so that you can provide them with the accurate information otherwise you dont know what information they will get.
DeleteBunker
Being a father of two, this whole concept really scares me. I cannot believe where kids are going with technology. This is another example of how technology gets transformed into something perverted. Again, this is how people get in trouble. Look at Vanessa Hugens (is that how you spell her name?) The only reason she was not fired from HIgh School Musical was because she was not a DIsney Employee. Not that Disney is a 100% clean company. Cell phones can be hacked into just like email accounts. Parents need to get involved. However, this is the problem also. The American family unit has fallen apart today. Kids are not supervised like we were. I better leave it here before I say too much. I am really scared for my two kids.
ReplyDeleteI understand that as a teacher we should be prepared and aware of what is going on in our students lives. I thought this would be easier than it really is. When you only see your students for 45 minutes a day it is hard to get to know them, and especially hard to find out what they are doing on their cell phones and computers. Cell phone use is prohibited in our school. It is horrifying to hear of all the stories or sexting and sextortion, but how do we actually help or know if this is going on in one of our student lives? I would love to help.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find most shocking about these issues is not only how common they are, but because of that, how nonchalant many people--particularly students--react to hearing about them! I think that many students forget that even pictures, once uploaded to a cellphone or the internet, can now be easy bait for predators, hackers, or even "friends" looking to have some fun. I have explored the FBI link before as my father was a member of the FBI computer forensic squad, and worked on one-too-many cases involving these issues. I think parents need to be educated in how to block and limit their children's access and freedoms on the internet and cellphone, while also teaching their students about security of cyberspace and of the person. Educators can take a hand in this as well in teaching digital citizenship. For instance, if you would not go out in public with just a bra or panties on, or saying or performing lewd acts, why would you do so online? We know that those things are not right to do in public because as a citizen, we have a right to privacy; a privacy which is drastically minimized and vulnerable once exposed to the internet. While I would not want to teach students by instilling fear, I can understand this tactic as the mere notion of having students fall victim to this makes me cringe. In this regard, I suppose this can be another way to integrate technology into the classroom in an extension of health/sex education perhaps.
ReplyDelete-Chelsea