tXTNG & sXTNG 6th Grade Health TXTNG & SXTNG

Cell Phones Not for talking anymore Texting, surfing, Facebook, games, apps, ringtones, pictures, video, music, more Cell phones are the #1 form of communication for teens (Pew, 2010) However, with these powerful tools come powerful responsibilities #1 form of communication for teens Txtng, srfng, fb, gms, apps, rngtns, pics, vdeo, msc…

Positives Safety Easy access to parents and friends Helps teens be more independent Apps can be helpful tools Easy access to the Web Photos and video readily accessible Safety Access Independence Apps Web Pics Video

Negatives Time waster or distraction from more important things May engage in sexting or other inappropriate actions May cheat on tests Cyberbullying Apps can be harmful tools Easy access to the Web Photos and video readily accessible Can be expensive Tone/Inflection cannot be read through a text Time Distraction Sxtng Cheat Cyberbullying Apps Web Pics $$$

What are you doing? Nothing, What’s Up? What’s wrong? Can’t talk

DNT TXT N DRV TXTING TIPS from AT&T Be Smart – don’t text and drive Be in Control – you make the choice Be Caring – don’t send a text to those you know are driving Be Focused – focus on driving Be an Example – you send a wrong message by texting and driving Be Proactive – take a pledge not to text and drive – encourage friends to do the same Take a pledge – don’t text and drive. Invite your friends to do the same thing.

DNT TXT N DRV Legal Consequences Current Texas law restricts all drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle Current Texas law prohibits any driver from using a wireless communication device within a school zone Current San Antonio law prohibits texting and driving Txtng & drvng is agnst the law.

DNT TXT N DRV Possible Criminal Charges Vehicular Manslaughter – felony charge that holds a person liable for any death that occurs because of his or her criminal negligence or a violation of traffic safety laws Vehicular Homicide – involves a death that results from the reckless or negligent operation of a vehicle These charges carry varying sentences, depending on the judge and/or jury. Txtng and drvng carries possible criminal charges.

DNT TXT N DRV Today Show – texting caught on tape Take a pledge – don’t text and drive. Invite your friends to do the same thing.

DNT TXT N DRV AT&T Don’t Text While Driving Take a pledge – don’t text and drive. Invite your friends to do the same thing.

Tips for Cell Phone Usage Don’t give out location Facebook check-in Visual environment clues Don’t reveal your/friends number online Don’t take pictures in private settings All cell records are permanent and can be traced or tracked. Location Number privacy Permanent records

Sxtng Sexting = send sexually revealing picture of themselves or send sexually explicit messages via text message These compromising messages or images are easily posted on a social networking site or sent to others via email or text Sender or subject of message may end up feeling humiliated or harassed by others Today’s teens are comfortable with documenting their lives online.

Sxtng Your Photo Fate www.netsmartz.org/reallifestories/yourphotofate The scoop The dangers Once a picture has been sent, it can spread rapidly, and it is out there forever. Even when a picture is erased or deleted, there will always be a copy or image of it somewhere, in computer or phone memory and backups, or copied and sent or kept by others. Don’t let others decide where your image ends up… Think before you post.

Sxtng Sending sexual images to minors is against the law Sexting, between minors, can be charged as a misdemeanor, meaning possible jail time Charges usually fall under child pornography, pornography, or online solicitation Minors who are convicted also are required to take a state-sponsored class about the dangers of sexting This class has to be taken with a parent Sending sexual images to minors is against the law.

Sxtng What if I send a picture and then regret it?! Tell your parents, a campus counselor or administrator, or another trusted adult immediately. Law enforcement should be contacted and might be able to stop the spread of the picture. What if I receive a picture that is being shared? Same thing –notify a trusted adult immediately. Law enforcement will also need to be contacted. Sending sexual images to minors is against the law.

5 Things Don’t assume anything you send or post is going to remain private. There is no changing your mind in cyberspace – anything you send or post will never truly go away. Don’t give in to the pressure to do something that makes you uncomfortable, even in cyberspace. Consider the recipient’s reaction. Nothing is truly anonymous. 5 things to think about before pressing send…

MTV A Thin Line chk it out www.athinline.org MTV A Thin Line chk it out MTV has started a campaign called A Thin Line to empower teens to “identify, respond to, and stop the spread of digital abuse.” www.athinline.org

REFERENCES AT&T website YouTube – video clips Car & Driver magazine CNBC articles www.handsfreeinfo.com www.drivinglaws.org Texas Penal Code Chapter 19 Cosmo Girl National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Common Sense Media Where did all this wonderful information come from?