State Rep. Jeff Mursau (R-Crivitz) and State Rep. David Steffen (R-Howard) introduced legislation requiring schools to provide sextortion prevention education beginning in sixth grade.
A growing number of cases involving the sexual exploitation of children prompted the bill, which seeks to protect children by providing education on recognizing, reporting and preventing sextortion. Earlier this session, the legislature passed a law imposing stiffer penalties on the perpetrators of sextortion.
“Today’s bill is another important piece of the puzzle in protecting our kids from the despicable criminals who sexually exploit children,” Steffen said. “The effects of sextortion are devastating, and tragically, this crime is happening to kids all across the country, including in our own community. Raising awareness through education is an important step in protecting our kids.”
Under the proposal, age-appropriate courses on sextortion prevention would be taught once in grades 6-8 and once in grades 9-12. School employees would also receive training on recognizing and reporting sextortion.
“Kids are online every day, but most aren’t taught what to do when something goes wrong,” Mursau said. “Sextortion works because young people feel scared and ashamed to speak up. By providing sextortion education in schools, we empower students to protect themselves, speak up early and understand that they are never to blame — and that help is always available.”
The bill is currently circulating for co-sponsorship support before moving forward in the legislative process.
For information, contact Steffen’s office at 608-237-9104 or Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.gov or Mursau’s office at 608-237-9136 or Rep.Mursau@legis.wisconsin.gov.
