September 2018 - Cyber Crime Awareness for Families

By Thomas L. Hosler, Superintendent, Perrysburg Schools

Across the country, news reports have indicated a greater number of incidents involving minors creating, transmitting or possessing illegal information using their personal cell phones, and we are no exception. We would like to highlight one important aspect of this here. Students throughout Ohio have used cell phones to create, view and disseminate nude and/or sexually explicit pictures of themselves or others. This is a violation of Ohio law and they could be convicted of a sex offense through their use of a cell phone. The Ohio Revised Code says that a person creating, possessing, viewing or sending photos or images of a minor (someone under 18 years of age) in a state of nudity is a felony. A conviction could result in the juvenile being jailed for a minimum of six months up to the age of 21, ordered to register as a sex offender and be ordered to provide a sample of their DNA, which would then be placed into the statewide DNA database.

Perrysburg Schools and the Wood County Prosecutor’s Office are aware of these types of incidents and believe that communication and awareness by parents/guardians and students are necessary. Through our schools, we work to educate students about their responsibilities and the possible consequences of their actions in our increasingly electronic world. The following procedures will continue to be followed in our schools:

Any student transmitting or being in possession of any material considered to be harmful to a juvenile or representing nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or sado-masochistic abuse (as cited in RC sect. 2907.01) may be subject to suspension with a recommendation for expulsion. By Ohio law, local law enforcement officials and/or Children Protective officials may be notified of any such activity if discovered by school officials.

Our students are living in a constantly changing world and it is our job as adults to keep them safe at all times. We believe it is important to continue to educate and remind students that their actions in the world—including via mobile phone, email, etc.—may well result in serious consequences. To that end, we are asking parents and guardians for their assistance in teaching their children about the legal responsibility that comes with the use of a cell phone, as well as other electronic tools for communicating with others.

Please use this article as a basis for an important conversation with your child or children. I also encourage you to check out the resources available through the Department of Homeland Security at https://www.dhs.gov/publication/stopthinkconnect-parent-and-educator-resources. If you have any questions, please contact me at 419-874-9131 or [email protected].