The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has launched an anti-sexting campaign in response to the growing use of social media by students to post or send photos or videos of a sexual nature.

The “Now Matters Later” initiative teaches students about the dangers of sexting, and the possible social, disciplinary and criminal consequences.

The campaign includes a video that will be shown to students in the 6th-12th grades about the risks of sexting. Additional resources include classroom lessons that help teachers instruct students on how to say no if asked for a picture or video of a sexual nature.

The lesson plans will demonstrate how to solve problems and how to explore risks and responsibilities in the digital world.

“We are bringing resources not only to our students, but to our teachers, parents and administrators,” LAUSD Board president Steve Zimmer said. “We want to help students be responsible when they use social media. Most importantly, we want to keep our students safe.”

Deputy City Attorney Tracy Webb, who serves as counsel for the Cyber Crime, Child Abuse Policy and Children Exposed to Violence Initiative, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, said education regarding sexting is crucial.

“The bottom line, I think, is there is no way we are going to arrest and prosecute ourselves out of the issue of sexting,” Webb said. “The only way we’re going to stem the tide, get through to the kids and send the message is to partner. That means law enforcement partnering with nonprofits, partnering with LAUSD, partnering with anybody and everybody in the community who can help send the message to stop the behavior.”

Mileidy Maldonado, a student at Roybal Learning Complex, said sexting is common among many students.

“I believe a lot of teenagers do it, and they don’t know the consequences,” Maldonado said. “They should know that it can affect them in the long run.”

Roybal Learning Complex student Alexandra Hernandez added that the campaign will have an impact.

“This campaign is important because most students tend to not know better, so they tend to sext inappropriate pictures,” Hernandez said. “They do not know this could affect them in the future.“

Next week, positive behavior support teams at every middle and high school will determine the timing of implementing the program.

For information, visit www.achieve.lausd.net.