In today’s world of rapidly changing technology, Anthony Wayne Local Schools feels it is extremely important to keep parents informed about the possible dangers surrounding their children and the technology they have at their disposal.  While most would consider a cell phone to be harmless, local and national headlines are now telling us a different story.  Many children of various ages are now participating in “sexting.”  “Sexting” occurs when children take, send, and/or share sexually explicit pictures to one another using their cell phones.  Not only is sexting a serious matter, it is also a serious crime.  The Ohio revised Code says that a person creating, possessing, viewing, or sending photos or images of a minor (someone under 18 years of age) in a state of nudity is a felony.  A conviction could result in the juvenile being jailed for a minimum of six months up to the age of 21, ordered to register as a sex offender and be ordered to provide a sample of DNA which would then be placed in a statewide DNA database. 
Anthony Wayne Local Schools will also take serious action against those who transmit or possess any material considered to be harmful to a juvenile or representing nudity and/or sexual conduct.  Punishments may include suspension and/or expulsion from school.  We encourage all parents to have an open and frank conversation with their student(s) about the proper uses of technology as well as the proper behaviors both in and outside of the school setting. 
Anthony Wayne Local Schools has been proactive in educating its students on being tech “safe.” For the last several years, Anthony Wayne Schools has been hosting sessions regarding i-Safe, a national Internet safety organization.  Founded in 1998, i-SAFE Inc. is the leader in Internet safety education. Available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Department of Defense schools located across the world, i-SAFE is a non-profit foundation whose mission is to educate and empower youth to make their Internet experiences safe and responsible. The goal is to educate students on how to avoid dangerous, inappropriate, or unlawful online behavior.  i-SAFE accomplishes this through dynamic K-12 curriculum and community outreach programs to parents, law enforcement, and community leaders. It is the only   Internet safety foundation to combine these elements.
These sessions have been offered in each building in the Anthony Wayne District, to parents (in evening, adult-based presentations), as whole grade level groups, and in individual classrooms.  The district Technology Director has been iSafe certified, and conducts these sessions upon request, to both school and community groups.  Appointments for these presentations may be scheduled through the Technology Director's office.