Extended Learning: The Role of Technology, Social Media and the Law

Overview for Extended Learning

An important topic in Roll Red Roll is the power of technology and social media to both inform and further perpetrate the crime of sexual assault and rape.

It is important after viewing each clip to allow students some personal time to process what they have heard in the film. Invite students to journal in silence about their thoughts, feelings, reactions or questions for a set amount of time. Transition from this reflective exercise to small groups where they can discuss what is on their minds. Recommended discussion prompts are also provided.

Activity

Begin the Day Two lesson by brainstorming students’ background knowledge on the laws violated in Roll Red Roll. Do not correct their ideas at this point, but transition to watching the two final clips from the documentary. Explain that these two film segments contain explicit language and reference rape, and remind students of strategies for self-care. Pages 10 and 11 in the Roll Red Roll Discussion Guide offer further recommendations.

Watch Clip 4 (3:55 mins)

Suggested Discussion Prompts:

● Do you think Nodi was confused about the crime that was being committed?

○ If you think he was, describe where his confusion lay.

○ If he was not confused, why did he participate, or enable it to happen?

● After watching this clip, how would you describe “rape culture”? How do you see rape culture in action in Nodi’s behavior?

● Without cell phones and social media, what would have been different about the assault and crime, the trial and the aftermath in the community?

Watch Clip 5 (6:59 mins)

Suggested Discussion Prompts:

● What are your reactions to the boys receiving immunity in exchange for their eyewitness accounts?

○ Is this a limitation of our justice system?

○ What suggestions would you share to change these laws?

● What is your understanding of the phrase “blaming the victim”?

○ What are examples that support your understanding?

After watching and discussing these film segments have students:

● Write their definitions of the term “sexting,” share them and give one example each of what is and isn’t sexting.

● Discuss their definitions and examples.

● Share information about state laws regarding sexting. Each state varies, so it is important to research your local laws.

Here are some helpful resources to consider:

- Sexting Advice for Teens from Cyberbullying Research Center https://cyberbullying.org/sexting-advice-for-teens.pdf

- Overview of State Sexting Laws

https://cyberbullying.org/state-sexting-laws

Extensions/Adaptations

● Write a pledge articulating steps to transform our culture and society so that accountability, respect, intervention and speaking out against any violations are the cultural norms of your school and community.

● Research how social media can play a prosocial role in preventing sexual assault and present these models in class.

● Allow students time to explore independently the resources included in this lesson.