Text messaging has become the primary way that teens reach their friends. It surpasses email, instant messaging, and voice calling as the tool kids from 12 to 18 use to communicate. With an increase in texting comes potential liability exposures for ministries and their youth leaders.
If leaders become aware that anyone involved in the ministry has engaged in inappropriate communication, whether involving texting or any other form of communication, it should be immediately addressed in a straight-forward manner. Inappropriate texting should be approached in the same way that your ministry leaders would handle inappropriate conversation heard in a hallway of the church.
Once texting turns into “sexting,” (sending sexually explicit images through a hand-held electronic device) the stakes get much higher. Legislation addressing sexting varies from state to state, so ministries should consult with a local attorney to determine the law in your jurisdiction. Consider the following recommendations:
For more information on this topic, read our article, Youth Texting and Sexting.
*Important information: Brotherhood Mutual is pleased to provide Legal Assist as a complimentary resource. The services we offer through Legal Assist are intended to provide general legal information to our current and prospective policyholders.
The information we provide is intended to be helpful, but it does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. Accordingly, no attorney/client relationship is created through this process, and no legal advice will be provided. We strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program.
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2024 Brotherhood Mutual
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2024 Brotherhood Mutual