But decision makers for the Department of Education in New York City will soon consider a proposal that would ban students from sending explicit or suggestive text messages, both inside and outside of school.
Students would face suspensions of up to 90 days. They could also be booted from class for cyber-bullying.
A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 4 percent of cell phone owners between the ages of 12 and 17 say they have sent suggestive nude or semi-nude images of themselves via text message.
Another 15 percent say they have received such images of someone they know. Twenty-three percent of boys and 24 percent of girls say they sent the images due to peer pressure.
If education officials pass the texting ban, they will hear from the New York Civil Liberties Union, which argues activities outside schools should not be regulated and the offense is too narrowly defined.
A hearing is set for Wednesday.
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