LAUSD Adds New Curriculum To Teach Students About Dangers of Sexting

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Unified School District introduced a curriculum called "Now Matters Later!" to teach students about the dangers of sexting.

To show students the risks of sharing explicit photos or videos, the district created a website that features a series of video and lessons teaching middle and high school students to think before they post.

Alexandra Hernandez saw what happened when her friend's provocative picture when viral.

"She was bullied. And she ended up being home-schooled," Hernandez said.

That is the least of the troubles sexters can get into. Authorities said sexting could hamper young people from getting into their college of choice, finding a job or worse.

"You have your international child pornography rings that go worldwide. These photos end up in the hands of these people," said Steven Zipperman, chief of the Los Angeles School Police Department.

Sexting involving a minor is also a crime. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, no minor has been prosecuted for sexting in the county. But it has happened in other states.

City leaders and school officials said the best way to help students stay out of trouble is education.