School Department calls attention to the dangers of 'sexting'

Date: 5/17/2011

May 16, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

WILBRAHAM — The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District (HWRSD) will host a seminar, sponsored by the Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant program, to inform students and parents of the dangers of "sexting."

Mary Baker and Sgt. Karen Pitts of the Hampden County Sherriff's Training Department will lead the discussion, which will take place in the Minnechaug Regional High School auditorium on May 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

"I think, in general, parents need to really understand the relationship between children and the cyber world, whether it be Internet access or texting and things like that," Gina Kahn, director of Safe Schools/Healthy Students, said. "It's such a large part of everyday life."

Parents and students in grades six through 12 are encouraged to attend. Kahn said that it is important for both children and adults to be involved in the conversation regarding dangerous behaviors, such as sexting.

"It has to be a collaborative process," Kahn said. "It's an element of families' daily lives and parents and kids need to establish boundaries on what is acceptable in the household."

Kahn added that by having an active dialogue, parents and children can also use each other to fill the gaps in their knowledge of the subject.

"A lot of kids know how to use the technology, but don't understand the risks associated with this kind of behavior," Kahn said. "On the other hand, a lot of parents know the risks, but don't understand the technology."

Kahn also pointed out that at the middle school level, 46 percent of students surveyed said they had no apprehension when it comes to posting pictures on the Internet and 67 percent said their parents have never spoken to them about a situation they encountered online that made them uncomfortable.

"I think it's saying that our kids think they are not getting clear messages from their parents," Kahn said. "This is an opportunity to open that discussion."

HWRSD requests that those interested in attending register by May 16 by returning a form located on the district Web site (HWRSD.org) to the district office, 621 Main St. The form may also be faxed to 599-1572 and interested parties can also register by e-mailing jfarrell@hwrsd.org.