Missouri Driving/Texting Law Goes Into Effect; Texas Schools Ban Sexting; More Agencies Are Prohibiting Teens from Texting/Driving/Sexting on Electronic Devices
No Texting and Driving in MO
A Missouri law that bans texting, reading, writing and driving for drivers under the age of 21 went into effect on August 28, 2009. This makes Missouri the 23rd state to ban the texting and driving combination, but the state is only one of nine to designate a certain age group. The fine for texting and driving is $200.
Texting drivers spend up to 400 percent more time with their eyes off the road, says Leanna Depue, director of Highway Safety for the Missouri Department of Transportation. "This law is a small step toward counteracting some of the distracted driving that causes crashes in Missouri." For a complete listing of states' texting and driving laws, go to the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Texas school districts are moving toward banning the practice of sexting, or sending sexually explicit images via an electronic device. The Houston Independent School District and the Mesquite District have initiated these bans while the Dallas-Fort Worth Independent School District is relying on the existing Student Code of Conduct that prohibits the use of any electronic device and possessing/distributing/exhibiting/transmitting obscene materials.
The Garland Independent School System also uses their ban on cell phone usage during the school day to cover the sexting issue.
The school prohibitions on cell phone usage don't address sexting at other times of the day. Sexting at any time can cause embarrassment and harassment for a young student, the effects of which are long lasting. A recent study from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy shows that 22% of teen girls (and 11% of teen girls ages 13-16 years old) have electronically sent, or posted online, nude or semi-nude images of themselves. Teen boys are getting in on the act, too; approximately 18% have sent or posted nude/semi-nude images of themselves.
And, 15% of teens who have sent sexually suggestive messages and pictures have done so to someone they know only online.
Susan Schulz, Special Projects Editor, Hearst Magazines, says that teenagers should be aware of the real consequences of this behavior. "We need to provide them with guidance and encourage them to make smart choices." Take a look at the survey on the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy website.
