Please read the following letter from Principal Peterson. Sincerely, Maren Smagala, District
Communications Coordinator
Dear Parents & Guardians,
Teens are faced with many different challenges every day. Some challenges that students face
are obvious for parents and educators to spot, others are not. One of those challenges is the use
of social media and what teens are sharing with their peers. Teens of this generation share much
of what is happening in their lives on a daily basis via some sort of social media such as text
messages, GroupMe, Snapchat stories, etc. There are some times when the messages or pictures
they are sending can be considered sexting. Sexting is defined as the sending of nude or
sexually explicit photos by electronic means, such as text message. Unfortunately, it has
come to our attention that students within our district may have engaged in this dangerous and
inappropriate behavior.
According to a June 2014 study done through Drexel University*:
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54% of respondents reported having sexted (received or sent) as minors, meaning under
the age of 18
28% reported sending photographic sexts
71% reported knowing other teens who experienced negative consequences as a result of
sexting
Only 2% reported a sext message to an adult after receiving one
Voorhees High School in conjunction with local law enforcement and the Hunterdon County
Prosecutor's Office believe it is of the utmost importance for all teens to know and fully
understand the social and legal consequences of sexting. While many teens believe sending
these pictures to a boyfriend/girlfriend or friend is just joking around or flirting, the actions have
much more serious consequences. In many cases, the pictures are then shared with other peers.
As a school district, we would like to work with you as the parent/guardian in having
conversations with your student about sexting in order to avoid these situations. It is important
to educate our young people on the potential legal and social consequences of participating in
any way with sexting practices. Being in possession of a picture of a minor that is of a sexual
nature that was sent to you, sending a picture of a minor of a sexual nature, or saving these
photos to your phone are all ILLEGAL acts. These could and most likely would be
considered the possession of and distribution of child pornography. There will be school-based
consequences, which may include suspension as well as potential legal and/or criminal
consequences.
We encourage all parents/guardians to have a discussion with their children about the potential
consequences of sexting. Click here for a helpful information sheet on the topic of sexting that
can be used as a conversation piece with your children. We also recommend that
parents/guardians regularly monitor their children’s digital communications. If you would like
additional information or need help with this matter, please reach out to the guidance
department.
Sincerely,
Ronald Peterson
Principal
Voorhees High School