Technology/cyber safety
Quick Links
Sexting
Sexting is the sending of explicit messages by either SMS or email. Possession or distribution of sexual images of a minor is illegal.
You could be charged with a criminal offence if:
- You take a nude, semi-nude, or sexually explicit photo of a person under the age of 18, even if they agree to the photo being taken or you take the photo of yourself.
- You take a photo or a video of a person under the age of 18 involved in sexual activity or posing in an indecent sexual manner, even if it is of yourself.
- You are found to have this kind of photo or video on your phone or other device eg: PC, iPod.
- You forward this kind of photo or video onto others.
Teacher’s responsibility
- Do not investigate, view, or email questionable photos. Investigation is the role of the police.
- If possible isolate the images and turn off the device. Some schools have mobile phone policies that will provide support for this.
- Report the incident to your Principle who will then report to the police. The police consider this a priority 1 and will respond within 24 hours.
- For further clarification contact cait@police.wa.gov.au or (08) 9428 1666.
Teaching Tips
- Young people want information on the social, psychological and legal consequences.
- Students respond well to understanding the consequences of the law.
- Inform students that many mobile devices have geotagging activated as an automatic setting. Geotagging can tell users the location of the content of a given picture or other media such as a person’s home address. To disable this go to “settings”, then “location services”.
- A “digital reputation” is the opinion that others hold about the user. Students should be encouraged to think about their digital reputation when interacting online. For their privacy and safety, it’s important for students and teachers alike to be aware of where their personal data available on the internet given the, at times, unknown audience and the potential for it to be permanently accessible. (http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Schools/Common%20cybersafety%20issues/Protecting%20personal%20information/Digital%20reputation.aspx)
Resources
- Sexting: A paper to guide teachers and educators in Western Australia.
- Tagged is a video resource which encourages young people to reflect on the real life consequences caused by cyberbullying, sexting, and a negative digital reputation. (http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Contact%20us/Online%20request%20for%20brochures%20and%20other%20resources.aspx)
- Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC)
- Sexting factsheet
- Educational presentations for:
- Year 8&9
- Year 10&11
- Aboriginal youth
- Special needs youth
Links
- CyberSmart - www.thinkuknow.org.au – This site has a “report abuse” tab which is monitored by the Federal Police.
- ACMA – Cybersmart lesson plans for educators.
- Love: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – Story based information for youth.
- Get the Facts – Get The Facts - Youth website (WA Health)
- Respectful Relationships (www.respectfulrelationships.org.au) – Fact sheet on sexting.
Cyber stalking
Cyber stalking describes when a person is stalked or harassed by another person using a service of the internet such as email, instant messaging or via a posting in a discussion group. Stalking behaviours can include threats, cryptic messages and sexual innuendo that occur in a frequent and intrusive manner. The usual goal for stalking is to create a sense of fear in the recipient and the motivation is based on control and intimidation.
Links
- Report cyber stalking to Crime Stoppers on 1 800 333 000, or visit their website. If physical contact is made contact your local police.
- Federal Police office for Western Australia - 619 Murray Street, West Perth, (08) 9320 3444
