CLOVERDALE — Twelve senior Surrey high schools students at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary are facing disciplinary action after another student reported they were circulating inappropriate photos of other senior students.
Surrey School District spokesperson Doug Strachan said after receiving the complaint, the school investigated and all 12 students – which include boys and girls – have been disciplined.
“The discipline would vary depending on individual circumstances and out of respect for privacy of the students, I won’t get into the (specific) punishments,†added Strachan.
Surrey RCMP has been notified and police confirm they are conducting an investigation in conjunction with the district.
Cpl. Bert Paquet said at this time, the threshold for criminal charges has not been met.
“But we’re engaged so if we do uncover activities or actions that warrant a criminal investigation, the we will switch to that aspect. As of right now, we’re just working with them assisting in a joint investigation,†he said.
Paquet warned students of the consequences of these actions – both sending explicit photos and sharing them.
“The ones receiving that picture need to be mature and responsible enough not to multiple that mistake and send that picture to other people. Our message, from a police perspective is very clear: It’s a lot easier to hit the delete button than to face a criminal investigation.â€
As for those sending inappropriate photos of themselves to others, Paquet said to think about the lasting effects of doing so.
“You know you’re crossing a line and entering in a world where there’s no positive outcome,†he continued. “Take a few seconds, take a few minutes before you hit send and think about the consequences of what you’re about to do – even if you trust the person you’re sending it do. Once you hit the send button, it’s almost impossible to go back in time and eliminate those images from the electronic world.â€
