Sec. 37.218. PROGRAMS ON DANGERS OF STUDENTS SHARING VISUAL MATERIAL DEPICTING MINOR ENGAGED IN SEXUAL CONDUCT

(a) In this section:

(1) "Bullying" has the meaning assigned by Section 25.0342.

(2) "Cyberbullying" means the use of any electronic communication device to engage in bullying or intimidation.

(3) "Harassment" has the meaning assigned by Section 37.001.

(4) "Sexual conduct" has the meaning assigned by Section 43.25, Penal Code.

(b) The center, in consultation with the office of the attorney general, shall develop programs for use by school districts that address:

(1) the possible legal consequences, including criminal penalties, of sharing visual material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct;

(2) other possible consequences of sharing visual material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct, including:

(A) negative effects on relationships;

(B) loss of educational and employment opportunities; and

(C) possible removal, if applicable, from certain school programs or extracurricular activities;

(3) the unique characteristics of the Internet and other communications networks that could affect visual material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct, including:

(A) search and replication capabilities; and

(B) a potentially worldwide audience;

(4) the prevention of, identification of, responses to, and reporting of incidents of bullying; and

(5) the connection between bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and a minor sharing visual material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct.

(c) Each school district shall annually provide or make available information on the programs developed under Subsection (b) to parents and students in a grade level the district considers appropriate. Each district shall provide or make available the information by any means the district considers appropriate.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1322 , Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2011.