School Board Approves Teen Violence & Abuse Policy

Students found sexting, spreading malicious rumors, or harassing ex boyfriends or girlfriends will be subject to disciplinary actions under a new policy approved by the Pinellas County School Board Tuesday.

The new policy defines teen violence and abuse and gives direction on how to investigate and discipline these incidents. It was brought to the school board after the adoption of a Florida statute that requires school districts to adopt a written policy pertaining to teen dating violence and abuse.

The new rules define teen dating violence and abuse is as, “a pattern of emotional, verbal, sexual or physical violence and/or abuse by one person in a current or past relationship of a romantic nature to exert power and control over another when one or both of the partners is a teenager”.

Based on the vague nature of the policy’s language, certain behaviors that may occur among middle and high school students like sexting, spreading malicious rumors, or harassment of ex boyfriends or girlfriends could fall under this policy, and be subject to disciplinary actions by the school system.

“We proactively include some of those behaviors when we go through the annual revision process of our code of student conduct,” said Andrea Zahn, director of communications for Pinellas Schools.

This policy change only applies to behavior that occurs on school property or at school sponsored events.  

Sexting, which the school defines as explicit language or content sent through electronic messages, was included in a revision of the code of student conduct.

“When certain behavior become more prevalent in society there can be a tendency for those behaviors to impact on our school environment,” Zahn said.

“We don’t have a specific code when we code sexting. It could fall under sexual harassment,” she added.

Students who spread malicious rumors to other peers would likely be considered offenders under the teen violence policy.  Any student who takes part in any action or behavior that causes undue stress to a past or former romantic partner is also subject to the consequences of the policy.

The policy states that information provided to school officials regarding teen dating violence or abuse will result in an immediate investigation.  The school encourages students and employees to report incidents to the principal.

Once an investigation is completed, school officials will determine whether there is enough evidence to substantiate the allegations.  If it is determined that there is, the student will be subject to disciplinary action such as suspension, change in schools or recommendation for expulsion.  

The victim will have the opportunity to enter into a “Stay Away Contract”.  This would prohibit the abuser from any contact with the victim on school campus or at school sponsored events. 

Victims also have the right to request a change in schedule or other reasonable accommodations that will ensure their safety. 

This policy does not constitute a criminal offense or offer protection in a private setting.  If criminal actions have occurred, the policy suggests that criminal reports be filed.  If a restraining order has been issued by the court system, school officials will ensure those orders are being adequately followed.