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Superintendent warns of recent 'sextortion' incidents; urges parents to talk to children and notes steps under Gavin's Law
Summary
After two recent incidents the superintendent warned the district about 'sextortion,' cited South Carolina's Gavin's Law, and said the district will strengthen prevention education and reporting systems while asking for parental partnership.
Superintendent Jones opened a portion of the Nov. 17 meeting by informing the board and community that the district had experienced two recent incidents involving what he called 'sextortion.' He described the crime as intentionally threatening to release a private sexual image to compel a person to act against their will and said it preys on shame and secrecy.
Jones referenced South Carolina’s "Gavin's Law" and asked parents to speak with their children about online safety and the importance of timely reporting. "Sextortion is uniquely dangerous. It thrives on human shame," Jones said, framing the incidents as part of a broader national trend and urging swift reporting and prevention education.
He said the district would continue strengthening prevention education, reporting systems and transparency so that students feel supported and safe to report incidents. He asked for community partnership and emphasized that schools cannot address the problem alone.
