Sophomore Girls Punished for MySpace Photos

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the Chrurbusco High School in Indianapolis, Indiana arguing that the school violated two teen girls' free speech rights. During summer vacation, while at a sleepover with friends, the girls took photos of themselves in lingerie while they pretended to lick a lollipop shaped like a males private. Later they posted the sexually suggestive pictures on MySpace, and claim that they only allowed "friends" to see them by setting the privacy settings.

The ACLU argues that this case is different than others because the photos were intended for only friends to view and it was a joke. You can read the full story, School sued for punishing teens over MySpace photos by AP (Associated Press) on usatoday.com.

Although, the court will decide the case it is something parents should take seriously. Whether or not the schools' punishment was too harsh is one thing, but what these girls consider a joke should be of more concern to their parents. If this lawsuit ends up in favor of these teens it could send a negative message to other teens and children. Teens and children going on the Internet and posting semi-nude, nude and other photos of themselves is a serious problem.

Parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing online, it's not easy, but you have to take action. There are programs that track keystrokes and other ways for parents to monitor and restrict their kids online activity. The parents of these girls should be more concerned with what motivated their teens to 'play a joke' of this nature. "Why did my daughter want to post photos that exposes her body?" The last thing that should be of concern is, "Did the school violate my daughters free speech rights?"

It is really troubling because the girls did not just take inappropriate photos, but they were acting out a sexual act with a lollipop shaped like a man's genitalia. Where did they get the 'lollipop' from? The parents should be wondering if those girls are sexually active. If so, are they educated about of all the ways STD's (sexually transmitted diseases) are spread, the different types of STD's, and the serious health problems associated with them.

One may feel that the actions a school takes may seem harsh or unfair, but if schools do nothing we complain. However, had the school simply dismissed this situation the parents would probably have no idea that their girls were doing such things. If the parents of these two teen girls knew about it, which is very doubtful, then that in and of itself is extremely disturbing too.

Parents need to raise their children and instill good values that teach kids self-respect, it is true that kids, especially when they reach their teen years, will misbehave, get into trouble, etc., but what a parent teaches their child can help them choose to do right rather than wrong.

Should sites like MySpace ban explicit photos from being uploaded? Would reviewing all uploaded photos before posting or making them live help solve this increasing problem? It may mean that social sites like MySpace have to staff and pay employees to do this tedious job, but it could be a way to stop inappropriate photos from being easily uploaded. It may discourage teens and young children who have access to the MySpace website from taking these photos in the first place.

Personally, I think the school sent a message to other kids by taking action and disciplining the girls; however, I have no opinion about whether or not the schools' punishment was too harsh. Maybe other kids will realize that even if they post photos as a 'joke' meant only for friends to see those pictures could end up being spread all over the Internet, and other places. Cyber Space is a dangerous place when used for the wrong things.

Hopefully, the sophomore girls punished for MySpace photos were disciplined by their parents. Teens, sex and the Internet is a very bad combination. Sexual preditors look for these kids to befriend them in hopes of getting them to trust them enough to meet them off line. Parents need to pay close attention to what their kids are doing on the Internet, on their cell phones which take photos and can access the Web, and any other technology that can pose a danger.