Habits In Need of Breaking Monday, November 02, 2009 By Mylon Dice Students are appalled at receiving such inappropriate messages - Advertising With the recent Tank story "CHS Phones Banned?" it was decided to write a story about one of the big reasons for this possible banning phones at Cameron High School. There are many reasons for this possible banning, but one of the main reasons is what has become a nationwide trend known as "Sexting."  It's being done at the Middle School as well and is a very inappropriate behavior for someone so young to be doing.    The practice of "Sexting" involves sending inappropriate pictures or text-messages to another phone.  Whether you're receiving the messages or sending them, it's "Sexting."  School Resource Officer Proctor is very familiar with this particular subject.  "Sexting has been a big problem for several years now, and is more than likely increasing with all the new varieties of phones coming out," says Proctor.  Proctor has never dealt with "Sexiting" personally since he's new to the job of Resource Officer, but has dealt with cases of inappropriate texting at the middle school.  If a child is caught engaging in these behaviors the student can be turned over to the police and, depending on the age, be charged with possession of child-pornography. It's sad to say but this inappropriate behavior is being participated in both the high school and the middle school.  CMS Counselor Mrs. Pruitt is fairly familiar with the inappropriate behaviors.  "Technology is so readily available and students as young as fifth grade already have cell phones, and kids don't realize the seriousness of their behaviors," says Mrs. Pruitt. "Parent guidance is so important when it comes to cell phones and the Internet," says Mrs. Pruitt.  The problem for administrators and school officials is often the behavior happens outside of school but its true impact is felt inside the school's walls. Regardless of where the initial offense takes place, the school has a responsibility to deal with it once it impacts the educational process.  If a student is caught participating in this behavior during school or even on school grounds, it would fall under "Sexual Harassment," and if the behaviors are continued the consequences become heavier. Mrs. Pruitt hasn't ever caught students "Sexting," but has given guidance to kids who were caught so is pretty familiar with these behaviors. She personally thinks students continue to do these behaviors, and don't realize the things they're getting into. If we've learned nothing else from celebrities, it should be once something is leaked it can never be stopped. Once images or words are put online, they are there indefinitely. Unfortunately, many students don't think long-term and many parents aren't as tech-savvy as their children. Though it might be more shocking this behavior goes on in middle schools, the behaviors are done in high schools as well, maybe even more frequently. "I think it's done in the middle school because of seeing their older siblings in high school doing it, and I think it's done just to impress the opposite gender," says Junior Peyton Harrison. Peyton, being a high school student, has only received inappropriate pictures, but has never participated in such actions.  She also thinks it's very dangerous behavior to participate in because the message or picture can get leaked to anyone or everyone. "Sexting" is a terrible thing, and is being done in schools all over America, but the kids don't realize once you send the dirty message or picture you can never get it back and it can be sent anywhere in the world.  So next time before you send a message think to yourself:  Is this appropriate to be out there for all of time for all to see?

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