By Jaime North
LEWISBURG -- Students aren't simply passing notes in class anymore. They have graduated to using cell phones in school to exchange dirty messages and sometimes, even sexually explicit photos of one another.
It took only one incident -- in which a Lewisburg Area High School student sent explicitly lewd photos on a cell phone to another student -- for school administrators to step in and say "enough is enough."
The next offender will face criminal charges, ranging from possession of child pornography, distributing child pornography and even sexual abuse of a child -- each a felony leading up to five years in prison, administrators said Wednesday.
After the recent "sexting" -- an act known by teens in which text messages are sent with dirty messages, nude or sexually explicit photos -- school officials and Lewisburg police addressed about 600 students on the ramifications of a trend they say is occurring in schools nationwide.
Broadcast reports support the assertion that the trend is growing.
Five Tunkhannock Area School District students had their cell phones confiscated last week for allegedly sexting. Additionally, a 16-year-old Wayne County boy is facing two felony charges for allegedly enticing a 15-year-old girl recently to text him explicit photos and a video of herself, which he then sent to his friend, according to reports.
"This problem isn't just in Lewisburg or in the Susquehanna Valley, it's across the country," said Lewisburg police officer Brad Miller, who was joined Wednesday by fellow officer Mark Kuhns.
"Unfortunately, this (cell phone) technology has created a problem for all of us."
Serious charges
Miller said that even if students photograph only themselves, the act still constitutes felony possession of child pornography. Students who are 18 can land in trouble simply by sending images to an underage student, according to Miller.
Sending explicit images to an underage student could lead to felony charges of sexual abuse of children and harassment by communication.
A photo of an underage student results in more felony charges, Miller said. A felony charge of distributing child pornography comes if that image is sent via cell phone or from a computer, he said.
"Each image is a felony, and a felony is the most serious crime next to murder," Miller said. "As you can see, the charges can quickly add up."
Administrators say any type of sexting, regardless of age, in school is considered against district policy.
Chris Ruhl, assistant high school principal, was unable to speak specifically of the recent sexting incident due to district policy on discussing student disciplinary issues, but said Wednesday's assembly was held in reaction to it and to warn students about the long-term consequences of sexting.
"I'd hate to see a good kid's life ruined because of a bad choice and them not being aware of the law," said Ruhl, adding the school instituted a policy this year on cell phone use because of the growing number of students with phones.
"We've tried to be lenient and allow students to have some freedom -- talk in the hallways or in cafeteria -- especially if they need to get a hold of their parents," he said. "But by having these images, we're talking about child pornography."
Zero-tolerance for sexting'
According to the policy, Ruhl said students face detention, having their phone confiscated and even parents being called into school if they cause a distraction in class with their phone.
Sexting, however, now carries a zero-tolerance policy and will result in police involvement and suspension from school.
"This isn't just a life-altering event, it's a life-ruining event," Miller said. "You will go to jail and not finish school. Any hopes of going to college are probably over, especially if you're hoping to get financial aid. Future jobs can also be impacted."
Even deleted photos and messages can come back to haunt students, Miller warned.
"I doubt there is a single image out there (in the audience) now, because you heard we were coming," Miller said. "Just remember, we have forensic technology that can retrieve those things even if erased."
Miller advised students to seek help if they come across sexting, in or out of school.
"We can still get those images, so if you get something like that go directly to (an adult) to get it taken care of," Miller said. "I can assure you this is your warning, and this is the only warning you're going to get."
Students were unavailable for comment following the assembly due to school policy to have parental permission prior to interviews.
n E-mail comments to jnorth@dailyitem.com.
