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Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support. FOR THE WEEK OF APR 12, 2010 'Sexting' is lewd and crude -- but should it be a felony crime?![]() ![]() A different cell phone issue involves adults as well as teens. Have you seen news reports or comments about driving while texting or calling? What about coverage of when it's rude to text or talk on a cell?
![]() Electronic communication is widely used daily without inviting trouble. Look for a consumer technology article about something that no teacher, parent or law enforcer would challenge.
![]() Some pop culture items -- such as video games, CDs and music -- carry age guidelines or restrictions. Discuss why a newspaper is different and suitable for readers of any age. How do journalists handle foul language in quotes?
Hitting "Send" or "Fwd" is very risky sometimes. If the picture on your screen is one you'd hide from a teacher or parent, it's probably safest to delete it -- particularly if the content is X-rated. Sharing intimate snapshots from a webcam or cell phone may seem like a lark, but legal authorities typically aren't amused by what's called "sexting."
Some prosecutors treat sharing nude digital images of minors as a serious crime, even if no "victim" complains and the sender clicked an image of himself or herself. Fifteen percent of cell phone owners aged 12 to 17 have received sexually suggestive, nude or nearly nude images of someone they know via text message, a Pew Research Study said four months ago. Parents and some politicians think that goes way too far. They want to educate rather than alienate. Nebraska, Utah and Vermont have eased penalties, a step 15 more states are considering. "This is a stupid activity . . . but it is not child pornography," says state Sen. Dave Aronberg of Florida, where senators recently voted to back off. Elsewhere, a federal appeals court last month blocked a Pennsylvania district attorney from bringing felony child porn charges against three girls who sent scantily dressed photos of themselves.
Front Page Talking Points is written by
Felix Grabowski and Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2021
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