Policing Internet Posts of High School Kids

Last week a friend of mine called and was wondering about whether or not our high school had a policy on internet posts and pictures posted by students who are shown partying with kegs of beer and who are shown drinking alcohol.

After contacting school, I was informed that the admin was aware of the pictures and that our admin was checking on whether or not a policy had been developed. I was told that policing the internet was probably not something the district wanted to be involved with. I understand why since this seems like it would involve a huge expensive effort on the part of the district, and may have repercussion on privacy issues of the offending student. Although certainly since the girl who took the pictures posted them in a public forum for all to see, I'm uncertain that privacy is really an issue.

I'm interested in this situation too, since the pictures I saw showed some of our school athletes and leaders involved in this, and since I was made aware last year that a student who was verbally accused of same was removed from his position as drum major of our high school band. It seems to me that pictures are irrefutable proof of the accusations, but that verbal accusations come down to something more nebulous.

So why apply the standard to one student and not the others? I and other parents are watching closely to see whether all students will be treated the same way.

Three days ago I was made aware of some postings on facebook where a student said some horrible derogatory things about another student, and referenced a school activity that both are involved in. The "b" word was used and pretty awful things were said about making sure that no one invite this girl to any social events.

With the Megan Meier issue still fresh in the public's mind, I wonder again just how involved a school district should or can be in these situations. Certainly, I think at this point I wonder if it is possible to prosecute this boy for his continued harrassment of this girl (yes it has happened before) by the girl's parents. But what is the role of the school district, since both kids are actively involved in a school activity, and the posts are directly related to the activity?

I'd like the district to get involved, and treat all the students who were drinking the same way. I feel they should be removed from the National Honors Society, and their other leadership positions within the school. As a mom and a teacher, it bothers me that these kids are held up as role models for the rest of the school. It sends an awful message that this behavior is ok.

What do you think?