Technology moves at the speed of lighting nowadays, with something new always being developed. As that happens it can be good and bad for society. With technology developing so fast, it seems that there is a gap between how fast it is developing and the education needed for society to properly use it. One of the negatives sides of technology is that every child has a cell phone, and cell phones are being given to them earlier and earlier. Personally, my niece is 5 yrs old and is constantly using her mother's cell phone to go online.
One of the drawback's of technology and cell phones is sexting. I think the bigger question is if movies, tv, and games are rated and you can have settings for your tv on what kids can see, why don't cell phones have the same options ? Schools are trying to adapt to the fast moving pace of today by having technology education start earlier than it used to before, somewhere in middle school. I believe that either in the technology classes or in the sexual education classes offered in high school sexting and its consequences should be touched upon. But, the younger the kids the less likely it is that they will understand how dangerous sexting can be and the consequences it could lead too. This kind of education should mostly be left up the parents because this is a very personal issue that not all parents would handle the same, and they are the ones who must determine when they feel it is safe and appropriate to educate their child on any sexual issues, especially because parents can bring a suit against the school if they are not happy with what their kids are being exposed to.
The whole responsibility of this kind of education cannot be left up to the schools, but schools should have a responsibility to keep the parents informed when a serious issue like sexting arises. Both mothers of the girls who committed suicide stated that the schools were aware that this was going on, and one of the girls was also cutting herself and they did not notify the parents.
I think you brought up a great point about having parental controls on cell phones. Although I think it would be difficult for companies to do, I really think it would be beneficial. Kids are getting cell phones so early now. Even if it is not a real cell phone, they have a fake cell phone. Not only cell phones but ipads which have cameras can be used to send messages.
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