SPRINGFIELD — House Bill 24 requires classes that teach sex education to include an age-appropriate discussion regarding sexting. The discussion will include: information regarding the possible consequences of sharing or forwarding sexually explicit or suggestive content the identification of situations in which bullying or harassment may result as a consequence of sexting the potential for long-term legal, social, academic, and other consequences from possessing sexual content, the importance of internet safety, the identification of people who could be of assistance on this issue to students and the development of strategies to resist peer pressure.
HB 24 takes effect immediately. “Technology has grown a lot in the last decade, and our education needs to adapt as well,” said State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law requires those schools that teach sex education to include a lesson on sexting, so students can learn about the real-life consequences of the virtual act.” “With the evolution of technology and the increasing access for our children, it is vital that they understand the consequences of sexting. And now they will,” said State Representative Maurice West (D-Rockford). “I want to thank Governor Pritzker and my colleagues in the General Assembly for their support in passing this important legislation.”