Brooks-Young lists self-respect, respect of others, and respect of outside limits as three characteristics of a model digital citizen. I would say that the majority of adults and students I know fit into this category. However, there are always those few exceptions who either don't understand what these traits even mean, or, like the examples I am thinking of right now, don't necessarily translate the offline standards of respect into the digital world. This is mainly on facebook- I don't have much experience with online material beyond that.
I am not saying I approve of sexting, but I can't help but feel that there is a line drawn between privacy and upholding law. I am definitely referring to specifically minors- but what makes consensual, underage sexting different than consensual, underage sex? That sort of activity falls under parental jurisdiction, not adult government, so I don't believe there is a law against it. Of course, anything under the school roof falls under school jurisdiction; but still, any type of enforcement has to follow an appropriate establishment of expectations and appropriate use. I don't think it's realistic to hold students to a certain level of accountability if they don't clearly know what that level is to begin with. We have a good hold on what our 21st century problems are, so it's time to start planning the prevention of those problems rather than planning how to handle the problems after they've happened.
Well, actually, Maegan, there is no such thing as consensual sex or sexting for minors. A minor is not legally able to make that sort of decision. Parents may not choose to pursue the question legally, particularly where a child has given consent. Even that decision is somewhat murky though. The parent potentially could be charged with child abuse for allowing sexual abuse (underage sex or sexting) to go unreported/unaddressed. Some of this information comes from my experience as a foster parent. However, still, what is unreported is unlikely to be pursued. We will have more opportunity to discuss all this in the fall.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, you wrote up the chapter well. Thanks!