The Utah Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee meeting on February 6, 2025, focused on addressing the growing issue of sexting among middle and high school students. A key proposal discussed was a request for $100,000 to fund an educational campaign aimed at parents and local school boards.

The initiative, led by various stakeholders including the Utah Board of Education and the Attorney General's office, seeks to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexting and its implications. A survey revealed that 60% of 86,683 parents were unaware of the issue, highlighting a significant gap in understanding. Since February 2019, there have been 861 reported cases of offensive content sharing in schools, with many more believed to go unreported.

To tackle this problem, the Utah Board of Education plans to produce a short video aimed at educating parents about the risks associated with technology and social media. The campaign will utilize digital platforms and be showcased during school events to maximize outreach. The funding request is seen as a crucial step in equipping parents with the knowledge needed to discuss these issues with their children.

The discussion also touched on the connection between sexting and broader issues such as human trafficking, indicating a comprehensive approach to youth safety and education. The subcommittee acknowledged the tight budget but expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its potential effectiveness in addressing these critical issues.