Student Safety and Responsible Digital Behavior

Know the Risks. Make Safe Choices.

Under Texas law, including Texas Penal Code §43.261, minors may face legal consequences for knowingly sending, receiving, or possessing electronic images depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct. These images may be shared through text messages, social media, messaging apps, or other electronic devices and platforms.

 

Simply receiving or forwarding an image does not necessarily protect a student from legal or school-related consequences. Possessing or sharing inappropriate images involving minors can have serious and lasting effects.

Potential Consequences

Depending on the circumstances, consequences may include:

• Legal consequences: Students may face criminal charges related to sending, receiving, possessing, or sharing sexually explicit images involving minors.
• Misdemeanor offenses: Certain violations may result in fines, court proceedings, educational requirements, or other consequences ordered by a judge.
• More serious charges: Additional legal consequences may apply when images are shared to humiliate, threaten, harass, or harm another person.
• School disciplinary action: Fort Bend ISD may take disciplinary action when student conduct violates district expectations or the Student Code of Conduct. Consequences may include suspension, placement in a disciplinary setting, or other appropriate measures.

Talk With Your Student About Digital Safety

The Texas School Safety Center encourages families to have ongoing conversations with their children about making safe and responsible choices online.

Digital images can be copied and redistributed within seconds. Once an image is shared, it can be extremely difficult—or impossible—to completely remove it from the internet or other devices.

Parents and guardians can help by reminding students to:

• Never send, request, or create inappropriate or sexually explicit images.
• Never forward, repost, or share images that may be inappropriate, harmful, or involve another minor.
• If you receive inappropriate material, do not forward or share it. Instead, promptly tell a parent, trusted adult, teacher, counselor, administrator, or other appropriate school staff member.
• When in doubt, stop and ask. If you are unsure whether something is appropriate to share, talk with a trusted adult before taking further action.

Our Shared Responsibility

Fort Bend ISD appreciates the partnership of our families in helping students make safe, responsible, and respectful choices when using technology.

By working together, we can help protect our students, promote responsible digital citizenship, and support a safe and positive learning environment throughout our schools and community.