“It’s really about teaching the students the consequences:” MD bill could require kids to learn risks of sexting

MARYLAND–A proposed bill in the General Assembly could require kids in the Maryland public school district to learn about the risks of sexting.

“It’s unfortunate that we even have to have this happen in our schools, I mean these are things our parents should be teaching our kids, but unfortunately this doesn’t always happen,” Maryland Delegate Wayne Hartman said.

On the table right now is House Bill 194. If passed, a local board of education would require to give age-appropriate instruction on the risks of sexing as part of the Family Life and Human Sexuality Curriculum in every grade in which the curriculum is taught.

“To me, it’s really about teaching the students the consequences of what can happen if something that they sent to one of their friends, who was their friend at the time, sends it or puts it on the internet or whatever and then it’s there forever, it can haunt them for the rest of their life,” Del. Hartman said.

Del. Hartman voted yes to see this bill move forward, but he had concerns on who determined the age-appropriate content, since the bill states school systems could provide instruction starting at Pre-K.

“When we are talking age appropriate, when we are talking ages that low to me, that might be a little early to start this,” Del. Hartman said. “So, that’s putting a lot of faith in the those local board of education to understand what’s age appropriate.”

Meanwhile, the Maryland Association of Boards of Education sent a letter opposing the bill. They said they appreciate the intent but oppose efforts by the General Assembly to legislate curriculum. Also, they said they agree that sexting risk-prevention education is important and they think the role to regulate the curriculum belongs to local boards of education in partnership with the State Board.

Del. Hartman said while he has concerns on the age-appropriate content he has hope the local boards of education will make the right decisions for each age group.