05 Feb Educator Sexual Misconduct: The Role of Technology and Prevention Efforts

Originally published on Kentucky Youth Advocates

A recently published study in the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse examines how technology has been used to facilitate educator sexual misconduct in Kentucky’s schools. The study’s author, Kotomi Yokokura, discusses the findings below.

Between 2016 and 2021, 74 Kentucky educators had their licenses suspended, voluntarily surrendered, or permanently revoked by the Kentucky Education Professional Standard Board for educator sexual misconduct.

Within these cases, over 120 students were affected. These students were as young as fourth grade and as old as seniors in high school.

What is educator sexual misconduct?

Educator sexual misconduct refers to sexual behaviors by a K-12 educator toward their current student of any age or former student under 18 years old.

The role of technology in Kentucky educator sexual misconduct disciplinary cases (2015-2021) 

Educator sexual misconduct in these records was not limited to in-person misconduct, such as kissing. Over 70% of educators used technology or electronic communication, such as texting or social media, to aid in or carry out educator sexual misconduct. Educators often used electronic communication to send or request sexually explicit images, send sexually explicit messages, or discuss meeting up in person. 

Some things to note:

 – There was not a single type of educator who carried out educator sexual misconduct. Both male and female educators and educators of all ranks, certifications (including substitute and student teachers), and school levels carried out educator sexual misconduct.

 – While most cases of educator sexual misconduct occurred within the first ten years of an educator receiving their certification, educator sexual misconduct was not limited to new educators. Educators held their teaching certification from one month to 35 years when reports of misconduct were made.

 – Electronic communication was not limited to students who owned their own devices. Some educators provided teenage students with a device to communicate outside of in-person meetings.

 – At times, electronic communication was purposefully hidden. Some educators told students to create fake social media accounts to communicate or to delete messages.

To prevent educator sexual misconduct, researchers have suggested strengthening hiring practices by completing background and disciplinary action checks on applicants. They have also recommended implementing clear policies and ongoing trainings around appropriate boundaries and electronic communication use.

The data discussed in this blog are from an analysis of Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board disciplinary action records of educators whose licenses were suspended, voluntarily surrendered, or permanently revoked between 2016 and 2021 due to educator sexual misconduct that occurred before March 2020.

Call to Action:

The findings in this research highlight the need for decisive action to protect students from educator misconduct.

House Bill 36, filed by Representative Tipton, seeks to close loopholes that allow abuse to go unchecked by prohibiting nondisclosure agreements related to misconduct involving minors or students, strengthening hiring and background check processes, requiring thorough investigations, and mandating training on sexual misconduct prevention.

To create safer schools for Kentucky’s students, we must advocate for policies that prioritize transparency and accountability. Contact your state legislators today and urge them to support HB 36 to help prevent educator sexual misconduct and ensure every student is protected.