Parents and schools struggle with the role technology plays in kids' lives. But a new push to keep them safe has some saying it goes too far.
Schools now want to punish students caught "sexting" -- no matter where they do it.
The Department of Education wants to ban both cyber bullying and sexting in New York City's public schools at all times, even outside of school hours.
"We've always been respectful of first amendment rights. I think we'll get the right balance here," said Schools Chancellor Joel Klein.
While new laws are being enacted to prevent cyber bullying, sexting is not so straightforward.
Sexting has drawn the opposition New York's Civil Liberties Union.
"What on earth is that? It is a vague, undefined prohibition that impacts expression outside of school," said Donna Lieberman of NYCLU.
The proposal would let a principal do anything from hold a parent conference to expel for cyber bullying.
Not only does the Department of Education want to ban sexually explicit text messaging that students may do off hours on nights, weekends and summer vacation, but they also want to punish them for it, handing out up to a 90-day suspension.
Students said this proposal is going too far.
"If they're doing it inside of school, that's perfectly fine, but outside of school they don't really have a right over what you do with your phone," said Brooklyn resident Valerie Valdez.
"If it's not in school then I don't see how my cell phone and the school have any relation together," said Queens resident Naomi Moore.
Yet parents find it less of a black and white issue.
"What may be acceptable for a parent to their child may not be acceptable to a school and where do you draw the line?" said Lisa Spector of the Upper East Side.
"I wouldn't want them punishing my child, but somehow if we could prevent sexting and cyber bullying and everything I would be in favor of that," said Brooklyn resident Betsy Davidson.
Both issues will be debated next Wednesday. Parents expect those meetings to be heated, indeed.
Logged
