Snapchat’s goal is to provide a form of safe and clean communication, but over the years many New Trier students have utilized the disappearing content to share crude pictures and explicit material.

In 2014, twelve boys, ages 15 and 16, were arrested for sexting at New Trier, according to the Winnetka-Glencoe Patch. “The boys were accused of trading and/or sharing nude images of others under the age of 18,” Winnetka Police said.  “The boys were arrested between Oct. 14 and 17 for distribution of harmful material to a minor.”

Typically, the students who alert the school of the sexting are the ones pictured in the distributed photos. These students claim to be the victims of harassment.

In the 2016 New Trier Guidebook, the bullying and harassment policy says, “It is the policy of New Trier Township High School District 203 to provide an educational environment free from harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, cyber-bullying, and hazing.”

Assistant principal Scott Williams said, “We start with an interview and an investigation. The school talks with the victim, or whoever brought it to our attention, so that we understand the gravity of the concern. Then the investigation component can be anywhere from checking student electronic devices to checking network use.” After all these steps have been taken, they determine the severity of the situation.

Williams said, “Simply having images on the device with you at school, you’re automatically on our network. That is inappropriate.”

A senior student, who wishes to remain anonymous, agreed that Snapchat’s disappearing pictures encourages teens to send explicit photos. The student said, “People feel like there’s less of a risk of others seeing their pictures if it’s on Snapchat rather than text.”

Senior Baker Rahaley agreed that the legal matters behind the scandals stop some students from sharing and screenshotting.

“A lot of people think they won’t get in trouble. I think everyone knows in some degree that it’s illegal, but people don’t realize the magnitude of sending or screenshotting an explicit picture,” Rahaley said.

While students are aware of how illegal this behavior is, it stills happens, especially due to the pressure many feel from the opposite gender.

An anonymous male sophomore said, “I feel like males pressure girls into sending nude pictures and sexts. They have a need for pleasure and that’s how they get it.” This student admits he is aware of the consequences, but believes that if he doesn’t save it or share it he will be okay.

He continued, “I know I would never be the person to save anything I received, but you really can’t trust anyone. Boys feel like they will gain respect by showing their friends.”

An anonymous female said, “I think it’s just a part of being a teenager. I know that sounds bad, but girls want boys to give them attention and I guess that’s one way of getting it.”

She continued, “I’m not someone who sends pictures, because I don’t trust anyone, but I know girls who do and some of them are dating the guy and some aren’t. I don’t think it will ever stop even though everyone’s aware of what will happen.”

Despite students’ knowledge that it is illegal, this sexting trend doesn’t appear to be stopping. An anonymous female said, “In twenty years, we will one hundred percent look back on what we sent and regret it, but I guess it’s just a part of growing up and learning from your mistakes.”