When they encounter peer pressure to participate in sexting, teens should contact NTDAH online at www.loveisrespect.org or call NTDAH at (866) 331-9474. NTDAH provides the only 24-hour help line in the country where trained teen advocates counsel fellow teens about digital harassment. The advocates do not tell teens what to do, but guide them on how to handle sexting peer pressure, regret, embarrassment or other sexting issues they are encountering. 

Law Enforcement Update
Attorney General Warns Teens, Parents About Sexting Dangers

During a recent visit to the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (NTDAH), the Office of the Attorney General warned Texas teens and parents about the dangers of sexting. Sexting is the practice of teens sending sexually explicit messages or images electronically, primarily between mobile phones.

Embarrassing or explicit messages can spread like wildfire through a school or across the country – or even get posted on public Web sites. Before they know it, teens find that what started as a bit of fun starts to have severe consequences – humiliation, suspension from school or athletic participation and loss of jobs or college scholarships.

When they encounter peer pressure to participate in sexting, teens should contact NTDAH online at www.loveisrespect.org or call NTDAH at (866) 331-9474. NTDAH provides the only 24-hour help line in the country where trained teen advocates counsel fellow teens about digital harassment. The advocates do not tell teens what to do, but guide them on how to handle sexting peer pressure, regret, embarrassment or other sexting issues they are encountering.

NTDAH counselors also provide guidance to concerned parents who call the Helpline. Parents must have frank conversations with their children about the potential for embarrassment and the legal ramifications of sexting. If teens do not want a photo or text message to fall into the wrong hands – including strangers, potential employers, teachers or college admission officers – they should not send it.

By talking with their teenage children and staying aware of developments in their child’s life, parents can show that they care and are approachable when problems arise. Setting boundaries and simultaneously entrusting kids to conduct themselves responsibly may feel like a balancing act, but it can really help protect teens from an instance of bad judgment that can haunt them for life.

Teens, parents and law enforcement authorities must keep an open line of communication to combat sexting. For additional advice, teens should turn to the trained advocates at NTDAH. Every teen’s decision to avoid sexting helps build a much brighter future for our great state.

 

IMPORTANT YOUTH DRIVING LAWS!!!  

Graduated Driver License Program

The Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program was effective January 1, 2002, and created two phases of driving requirements for minors. 

Phase One
If you are under 18 years of age, you must:

1.    Hold a learner or hardship license for a minimum of six months.  

2.    Be accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age.  

3.    Maintain a valid learner license.  If a learner license is suspended or revoked, the remaining six-month period must be completed after the suspension has ended.

4.    Phase One does not apply to motorcycle (Class M) or hardship license holders.

With the completion of phase one, reaching the age of 16, and the completion of the classroom and driving portions of driver education, a minor is eligible to obtain a provisional license and "graduates" to phase two.

Phase Two
Phase two restricts the driving privileges of provisional license holders, and motorcycle/moped license holders (under 17 years of age), during the twelve-month period following the issuance of the license. The following restrictions apply:

1.    May not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member,

2.    May not operate a motor vehicle, or a motorcycle/moped unless in sight of the person’s parent/guardian, between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend or participate in employment or a school-related activity or because of a medical emergency,

3.    May not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device, except in case of an emergency. 

4.    The license restriction will state, "TRC 545.424 applies until MM/DD/YY" and will indicate the date phase two expires.

Upon completion of phase two, the restrictions no longer apply. This restriction will be removed at the next renewal after the phase two date expires, or the licensee may have the restriction removed by applying for a duplicate license at a driver license office and paying the required fee.

 

Provided to the citizens of Wise County as a courtesy from Judge Terri L. Johnson’s office