Table of Contents
New on The Cybertraps Newsletter
Much of my work over the last three years has focused on AI and ethics, which is reflected in my two most recent posts. My main take-away? Lots of AI in the classroom, many unexplored ethical issues, and not enough training.
May 29, 2026: Poll Shows That Most Teachers Lack Necessary AI Training
May 28, 2026: The Ethics of AI Grading
A Public Service Announcement from Cybertraps for the Young
If you are planning to take your kids on an airplane anytime soon, take a moment to check the names of their devices. Over the weekend, a United Airlines flight from Newark to Spain turned around when the crew noticed a Bluetooth device with the name "Bomb." All of the passengers had to disembark while the plane was scanned for possible explosives. It later turned out that a 16-year-old had given his Fitbit that name as a joke. The FBI is apparently not laughing.
From the Cybertraps Files
It was a fairly typical week of cybertraps: a couple of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases, a social media firing in Wisconsin, and inappropriate teacher-student contact. Two incidents in New Jersey are worth highlighting: the teacher suing a student for $1 million in damages for libel involving Instagram, and the teacher who provoked an autistic child to generate social media content. Fascinating (and disturbing) cases.
May 29, 2026
Mississippi: Substitute teacher arrested on child porn charges in Desoto Co.
New York: Gloversville PD reports teacher posed as student on social media, contacted students
May 28, 2026
California: Marin DA charges teacher accused of misconduct with girl
May 27, 2026
Florida: Clay County teacher battles education commissioner in court over Charlie Kirk comments
New Jersey: NJ Teacher's Aide Provoked Autistic Child, Posted Reaction To Social Media, Report Says
Texas: Spring Branch ISD board votes to fire teacher accused of possessing child porn
Wisconsin: Kaukauna teacher is fired for social media post about Trump assassination attempt
Wisconsin: Private school teacher from Menasha charged with inappropriate relationship with student
May 26, 2026
Florida – May 26, 2026: Records in Jacksonville teacher speech case tie school board member to complaint
Legislative, Regulatory, and Policy News
As you might expect, legislative and school policy debates these days are dominated by device bans and artificial intelligence. Right now, it looks like devices are losing and AI is winning.
England
May 27, 2026: School pupils ready to lock phones away in pouches
Maine
May 27, 2026: Governor Mills and State Leaders Celebrate Statewide Ban on Cell Phones in Schools
Maryland
May 26, 2026: Cellphones in schools restricted across Maryland under new law
North Carolina
May 26, 2026: Wake plans teacher training in generative AI, district-wide policy for use by fall
Ohio
May 27, 2026: Akron schools ban disappearing emails in new public records policy
Oklahoma
May 27, 2026: Oklahoma Gov. Stitt signs ‘Bell to Bell, No Cell’ school phone ban into law
Virginia
May 27, 2026: When should children use technology in school? Officials in Virginia Beach have an idea.
