Nude Selfie Scandal: New Jersey School District Cracks Down on Inappropriate Photo Sharing
The New Jersey school district in Bridgewater-Raritan is cracking down on students who share nude selfies of themselves with their classmates.
On Tuesday, Interim Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Dyer sent out letters warning students to delete nude photos of themselves from their cell phones and social media accounts by Thursday, or be banned from attending school activities like the prom, NBC News reported.
After receiving reports that some students were passing along nude pictures of themselves, Dyer began working with Bridgewater Police Chief Manuel Caravela and Raritan Borough Police Chief Kenneth McCormick to put a stop to the distribution of nude pictures, which is considered child pornography under law, states the letter.
"Parents, administrators, and counselors are all working diligently trying to take corrective action and educate students about the ramifications of this behavior," Dyer wrote in the letter, which was sent to parents of both middle and high school students, according to TheAlternativePress.com. "Local law enforcement is involved because the photos represent child pornography."
Beginning Thursday, Dyer announced that any students caught with nude photos would be subject to disciplinary action imposed by principals. This includes a five-day suspension and the possibility to be barred from school trips, prom and graduation ceremonies.
According to Bridgewater police, there's no way to measure exactly how many students have stored provocative pics on their phones. He added that the students willingly took the selfies and sent them to significant others.
"There is no evidence to support that any money was ever exchanged in an attempt to acquire the selfies, which showed girls in various states of undress," Bridgewater Lt. Tim Hoey told NJ.com
Dyer added that the school district and the police departments will work together with the students and their families to address the situation without filing criminal charges.
The superintendent also asked parents to explain the ramifications of creating and distributing sexually suggestive photos with their children at home.