DA’s Office Educates Students about Digital Dangers

Published March 30, 2017

Williamson County middle and high school students are learning important lessons about the dangers of the digital age.

Each year, representatives from the District Attorney’s Office volunteer their time to speak with middle and high school students about the consequences of sexting and cyberbullying.

“I cannot underestimate the importance of sharing this information with our students,” said District Attorney General Kim Helper. “Once a student puts something on social media, in any form, he or she cannot get it back. By educating students about the consequences of their actions, we hope the message resonates and each student will consider what might happen to an inappropriate photo or demeaning message before it is sent or posted.”

On March 29, Helper joined Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Mason at Mill Creek Middle School in Nolensville to speak with seventh and eighth graders about the issue. Mason explained that the act of sexting can result in bullying, blackmail and criminal charges, and she encouraged the students to resist peer pressure and treat others with respect.

“We want to educate students about the social and legal consequences of using a cell phone or the internet to sext or harass others,” said Mason. “The goal is to have the student stop and think before acting because a split second decision in middle or high school can have life-altering consequences.”

Mill Creek Middle is the sixth school to be visited by the DA’s Office this year. Others include Brentwood Middle, Franklin High, Nolensville High and Spring Station Middle. In addition, Helper recently met with parents at Fairview Middle.

The message is also being spread to other districts as Mason has been asked by colleagues from across the state to share her presentation. In the end, Helper says many of these problems would be eliminated if students would follow one simple rule.

“As we suggest, if you wouldn’t show it or say it to your grandmother, don’t post it or send it via social media,” said Helper.