In light of recent sexting and cyberbullying allegations at neighboring schools, the staff is taking the time to remind students just how serious this can be.
“Sexting” is defined as “the sending of sexually explicit photos, images, text messages, or e-mails by using a cell phone or other mobile device” (dictionary.com). Although it is uncertain as to what exactly happened at these schools, the allegations are serious.
“[Sexting] is considered child pornography, which is an unfortunate part of social media. Kids don’t always make the best decisions, and they might think they’re sending a picture to a friend or a loyal boyfriend, but if the relationship goes south, then the student could be in trouble,” said student resource officer Sean Madden.
Consequences for incidents such as these are a lot more serious than what many students may realize.
“The students involved could be arrested and charged with a felony,” Madden said. “This is something that could prevent them from getting into college because they would have to register as a sex offender. Grayslake sex offenders have to register every three months, and it’s a really embarrassing experience that no one wants to go through.”
If a student encounters a situation such as this, there are many resources available at the school to help them.
“Students can turn to their deans, their social workers, guidance counselors, or really any staff member they feel comfortable talking to,” said dean Linda Vecchie.
According to social worker Megan Sayre, the job of these adults is to let the students know they are not alone.
“My job is to make sure that they’re safe, supported, understood, valued and heard,” she said. “If something is brought to my attention, the appropriate adults in the building are told. Sometimes just by talking to an adult, students feel empowered to make a change and to recognize what they can control and what they can’t control.”
As far as the school’s plans to prevent a situation such as this, plans are still in the works.
“I was really inspired by a recent presentation at Libertyville. I want to put together a similar presentation for freshman transitions, but I plan on it being frank. I don’t think it can hurt students to hear something so honest more than once,” Vecchie said.
Although there are only so many ways to get through to students, Sayre hopes that they learn from this example.
“Pictures and posts are never deleted, only hidden. I recommend that students limit their communication by only posting or sending things they would be comfortable with the entire cafeteria, or their grandma, seeing,” she said.
“If [an inappropriate] photo is forwarded five times, it’s five crimes. Be the same person no matter where you are,” Vecchie added.