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Don’t be stupid: Legal Issues with Technology

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.


So what’s the big deal?


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


A.Z. v. Doe (N.J.)  Heroes and Cool Kids Program  Anonymous Parent sends school pics from Facebook  Student sues “John Doe”; serves subpoena  Defendant: no defamation therefore no case  Court: truth is an absolute defense



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  Suit can be for: • Intentional infliction of emotional distress • Tortuous interference • Slander


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


Boston v. Doe (Ga. 2012)  “Fatbook” Profile



Boston v. Doe (Ga. 2012)  “Fatbook” Profile • Languages • Hobbies • Fake stories • YouTube Videos • School didn’t punish  Sued creators


Criminal Consequences for Cyberbullying  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


In re Minor Child (Ala.)  High school students arrested at school for threatening classmate on MySpace • Threatened to beat him up • Said they would plant a bomb in his locker • Said he deserved to die

 Charged with making terroristic threats


Rumor/Confession Twitter Accts



Sexting


Sexting? Sexting, v: (a combination of sex and texting) is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between cell phones.


How Common is Sexting?  Sexually suggestive photos sent: • 20% overall • 22% girls • 11% young teen girls (ages 13-16) • 18 % boys


How Common is Sexting?  Sexually suggestive messages sent: • 39% of all teens • 37% girls • 40% boys  48% of teens say they have received sexting photos or messages.


Sexting?


Serious Consequences: Hope Witsell


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


5 Things to Think About Before Pressing “Send” or “Post”


Don’t assume anything 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


There is no changing your mind online  Nothing you send will ever go away  People checking on-line include: • • • •

Parents College recruiters The NFL Creepy pedophiles


If something makes you uncomfortable, don’t do it  40% of teens say “pressure from guys” is the reason girls post sexual messages and pictures


Consider the recipient’s reaction  Nationally, boys have been criminally prosecuted for sending unsolicited sexts


Nothing is truly anonymous


Questions?


Questions? (402) 499-0547 H & S School Law @KarenHaase


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