<p>I’m familiar with both schools, one intimately, the other less so (sorry, not comfortable saying which is which). In general, I’d say they follow the rules I outlined. In terms of sexting, I’d say the best policy is education, and schools in general are doing a better job on this. Getting teenagers to understand that the Internet, and thereby digital images, are forever is a tough one, since their concepts of permanence still seem shaky sometimes. But everyone I know in this world is trying to communicate this message to kids, and framing it in terms of what might jeopardize their college chances seems to grab their attention. </p>
<p>In terms of sexual violence, I also think education is the key, though I think that’s hard for parents because understandably no one ever thinks their kid will face that. I haven’t seen many reports in my travels through this universe, but I’ve definitely seen instances where kids were drinking and lines of consent were blurry and kids did things they regretted.
I kind of wish people would be more frank with teens – especially girls (though boys could use to hear the message that a misunderstanding fueled by alcohol could have criminal consequences) – about this topic. It’s a tough societal conversation though. A writer for a national publication recently advocated for college women to avoid making themselves vulnerable to sexual assault by getting falling-down drunk. She was immediately barraged with criticism for blaming the victims. I beg to differ. If there was an epidemic of young men being mugged after getting wasted and walking home, we’d tell them to avoid getting wasted and walking home. I don’t think this is any different, and I don’t think it’s excusing the perpetrator to advise young women to avoid making themselves absurdly vulnerable.</p>