Don’t be stupid: Legal Issues with Social Media Karen Haase Harding & Shultz (402) 434-3000 khaase@hslegalfirm.com H & S School Law @KarenHaase
What’s the deal? Cyberbullying Sexting Ignoring Internet Safety
Cyberbullying? Cyberbullying, v: the use of technology such as computers and cell phones to engage in repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others.
School-Related Consequences Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-2,137 Definition: “ongoing pattern of physical, verbal or electronic abuse” Consequences: • Loss of extracurricular privileges • Detentions • Short and Long Term Suspension • Expulsion • Alternative School Assignment
Kowalski v. Berkeley Schs (2011) Facebook page: Students Against Shae’s Herpes (SASH) Student received • 10-day suspension from school • 90-day “social suspension” Sued claiming violations of First Amendment
Civil Consequences Student and parents can be sued Suing for money; no jail time • Homeowners insurance often pays • Judgments can result in home foreclosure and other hardship
Fulmer v. Swidler (Pa. 2003) Middle school student created website:“Teacher Sux” • • •
Compared math teacher to Hitler Had picture of her decapitated Asked for contributions toward hit man Teacher sued Jury awarded $500,000 Similar suit by principal settled
Criminal Consequences Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-311.01 Terroristic Threats: “threatens to commit any crime of violence … • With the intent to terrorize another • In reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror Class IV Felony punishable by: • Up to 5 years in prison and/or • $10,000 fine
State v. Clemmens
State v. Clemmens Arrested within a few hours Charged with making terroristic threats Sentenced to • 5 months probation • Banned in 4 counties • 2 years of no social media
Sexting
Criminal Implications of Sexting  Law enforcement reports that Adults prosecuted for possession of child pornography, solicitation and child abuse  Students Prosecuted as well
Iowa v. Canal Boy and girl friends; not romantic • She asked him to send pic of penis • He complied • Both agreed not erotic Parents called the cops; boy charged Jury trial; boy convicted Appeal rejected by Iowa Supreme Court
In re Juvenile John Does (Fairfax Co. Va 2013)
Girls Snapchatted video to boy He forwarded screenshots to friends Three boys arrested at school Each charged with 12 counts of distribution of child pornography Found guilty, appealing sentences
Florida v. Alpert Girlfriend sent pics He forwarded pic to all contacts Convicted of distribution of child pornography On sex offender registry until he’s 43
Nebraska Law Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-813 et. seq. Makes sexting (images) a class IV felony for offenders under 19 Class IIIA felony for 19 and up Both punishable by: • Up to 5 years in prison and/or • $10,000 fine • Require sex offender registration
In re Katrina R. 15 year old texted nude pics to her BF Was adjudicated “a child who deports herself so as to injure or endanger seriously the morals or health of herself or others” • Placed in legal custody of HHS • 6 months’ probation • Required counseling and community service.
Internet Safety
Wisconsin v. Stancl High school student posed as a girl, tricked male classmates into sending nude photos Then blackmailed boys into sex acts • Thirty-one victims • Then took photos of the physical encounters
State v. Allen (MI 2012)
Things to Think About Before Pressing “Send” or “Post”
1. Don’t assume anything you send or post is private Majority of sexting incidents involve pictures sent to boyfriend/girlfriend The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has identified 2,100 victims of online porn, ¼ sent the first images themselves Every message is stored on a server
2. There is no changing your mind in cyberspace Nothing you send will ever go away People checking on-line include: • • • •
Parents College recruiters The NFL Creepy pedophiles
3. If something makes you uncomfortable, don’t do it
4. Consider the recipient’s reaction  Nationally, boys have been criminally prosecuted for sending unsolicited sexts
5. Nothing is truly anonymous
Questions?
Questions? (402) 499-0547 H & S School Law @KarenHaase