Courtesy of http://blogs.ktvb.comToday I randomly overheard a news broadcast on television about a new technological problem amongst teenagers with cell phones: sexting. Most people have now heard of this surprising new form of amateur pornography often created and circulated by middle and high school aged children. Sexting has become a hot-button issue amongst law enforcement agencies, public school administrators, parents of teens and teachers.
During my classroom observation assignment at Godwin High School yesterday I saw a girl texting in the back of the classroom throughout the entire period. This made me think of how easy it might be for this young girl to be sending lude images during school hours and actually within the classroom itself. It is remarkable how much high school has changed since I attended high school.
Courtesy of http://www.theweek.com/
Seven years ago I attended Douglas S. Freeman High School in Henrico County; a school always considered to be the mirror image of Godwin. When I graduated in 2002 cell phones were prohibited in the school building. Students had to leave them in their cars when they came to school. Not only were cell phone rules more strict, but the whole concept of "sexting" didn't even exist yet (after all, cell phones of this time were not camera equipped). Cell phone were primarily used for emergencies and on the weekends. This is in contrast to how cell phones are used by the teens of 2009. Modern teens use their cell phones for text messaging, video messaging, picture messaging, surfing the internet, watching tv, listening to music and, occasionally, for calling people. With all of these features, its not surprising that teens use cell phones 24 hours a day, both in and out of school.
With all of these new technological features present on modern cell phones, it really isn't surprising that people have begun using them in sexual ways such as sexting. As a future educator, I believe that it will be important to be vigilant about enforcing a strict cell phone policy, to prevent such things as sexting and cheating. Both to maintain order and focus in my classroom as well as to protect the students themselves.
Teenagers do not always act sensibly, and sexting illustrates this perfectly. Sexting could result in embarrassment, bullying, demoralization and even students being arrested for distribution of child pornography, but teens apparently still don't seem to get this. Just because a technology exists doesn't mean you have to use it. Teachers, parents, school administrators and law makers can curb the sexting trend, but it will take a concerted effort.
The whole concept of "sexting" is a pertinent and interesting example of how technology can influence schools in a negative way. Technology can most certainly be used to greatly enhance the learning potential of students, but can also be used in ways that are extremely detrimental to the educational environment. I am glad I saw that girl texting in class yesterday because it helped provoke a lot of thought and reflection on my part. . . it also gave me a great topic for a blog post!
Check out this website for information on keeping technology safe: http://www.wiredsafety.org/
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