Watch CBS News

Ultimatum Issued In Hackensack School Sexting Scandal

HACKENSACK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police officers spoke with students at Hackensack Middle School and the 5ive6ix School Friday in the wake of a shocking sexting scandal involving a nude image of a sixth grade girl.

Two students alarmed by the photo told the school principal about it Thursday. School officials don't believe the image has been widely circulated, but officials are giving students until Monday to delete the photo or face child pornography charges, 1010 WINS' Terry Sheridan reported.

Podcast

1010 WINS' Terry Sheridan on the response by school officials and police

"They told us that they had to delete it off the cell phone or computer or any device that it's on by Monday or you would go to juvenile detention," student Ann Marie Boyd told CBS 2's Lou Young.

Officials do know that a seventh grader received the image along with a few others.

Law enforcement officials and educators decided the incident provided an important teachable moment for students.

Superintendent Edward Kliszus sent out 5,000 e-mails and reverse 911 messages informing parents that possession and transmittal of the image was a crime even if it was committed by another child.

"Students have to not engage in this activity. It's a safety issue and if they have any material, they need to remove it and never have it again on their phones or computers," Kliszus said.

Police have agreed to hold off on arrests while parents inform their children on the facts of life regarding Internet smut.

"I'm going to sit down and talk to my daughter about this situation. This is serious," parent Willie Thrower said.

"Now, we have to be the parents," Marco Valencia said.

Hackensack Police said they had an active investigation into the case and will be prepared to act on Monday if necessary.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.