Imagine that the cell phone you have confiscated has readily visible sexually inappropriate messages on it. How would you handle the situation? Be sure to cite any applicable case law, school board policies, and state laws to support your answer.
Sexually inappropriate messages
Full Answer Section
- I would then contact the student's parents or guardians. I would inform them of the situation and the actions that I have taken. I would also ask them to come to the school so that we can discuss the matter further.
- I would then review the school's policies on cell phone use. The school's policies may have specific guidelines on how to handle situations involving sexually inappropriate messages. I would need to follow these guidelines in order to ensure that I am handling the situation appropriately.
- I would also consult with the school district's legal counsel. The school district's legal counsel may be able to provide me with additional guidance on how to handle the situation.
- Finally, I would meet with the student to discuss the situation. I would explain to the student why their behavior was inappropriate and the consequences of their actions. I would also offer the student resources, such as counseling or mediation, to help them address the underlying issues.
Here are some applicable case law, school board policies, and state laws that support my answer:
- Case law: The case of New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985) established the standard for when school officials can search students' belongings without a warrant. The court ruled that school officials can search a student's belongings if they have reasonable suspicion that the student is breaking the law or school rules.
- School board policies: Many school districts have policies that prohibit students from using cell phones in school or from sending or receiving sexually inappropriate messages. These policies may also specify the consequences for violating these rules.
- State laws: Most states have laws that prohibit the distribution of child pornography. These laws may also prohibit the sending or receiving of sexually explicit messages by minors.
It is important to note that the specific procedures for handling this type of situation will vary depending on the specific school district and state laws. However, the general principles outlined above should apply in most cases.
Sample Answer
- I would first ensure that the student is safe. This means making sure that the student is not in immediate danger of harm, either from themselves or from someone else. If the student is in danger, I would take steps to protect them, such as calling 911 or removing them from the situation.
- I would then confiscate the cell phone. I would do this in a calm and professional manner, explaining to the student why I am taking the phone. I would also make sure to document the confiscation, including the time, date, and location of the incident, as well as the contents of the messages.