The 'Art of safe sexting' program is to be introduced in Victorian classrooms

It contains lessons on how to safely send 'sexy snaps' via social media and texts

Schoolgirls are told to crop out anything identifiable and know the risks

The program has been not been endorsed by the Department of Education

The 'Art of Safe Sexting' program has been proposed for schoolgirls as young as 12, despite many parents warning against the practice.

Lessons on how to safely send 'sexy snaps' via text message and social media have been recommended by an online education tool created by an advocacy group.

ADVERTISEMENT

Victoria's Gen Z are told to crop out anything identifiable, not sext under the influence, know the legal landscape and avoid sharing other people's risque photos.

Scroll down for video

The 'Art of safe sexting' program is set to be introduced in Victorian classrooms for schoolgirls as young as 12

Rosie - a national harm prevention initiative by the Dugdale Trust for Women & Girls - has created the program that contains video, text and lesson plans for teachers.

Rosie helps young women navigate tricky situations and it's community partner is the U.S Department of State.

The program advises: 'Before you send that sexy snap, think about how long you want that pic or video out there for. Once we send these things, we have little control over where they end up.

'If you still wanna send a pic, try to crop out anything that makes it obvious that it's you.

Click here to resize this module

'So leave out your face, your favorite necklace and tattoos, so if you need to, you can deny that that image is you.'

The initiative has been not been endorsed by the Department of Education and has been slammed by Education Minister James Merlino.

'These [the sexting tips] are not appropriate, the Department of Education has a clear policy and resources on sexting that are available for teachers, students and parents,' Minister Merlino told The Herald Sun.

The program has been not been endorsed by the Department of Education and has been slammed by Education Minister James Merlino

Opposition Education spokesman Tim Smith said he was 'appalled', saying kids should spend 'less time on these types of sordid distractions' and be taught to read and write.

Susan McLean, former Victoria Police 'cyber cop', described the information on the site as 'flaky' and stated there was no safe way to send a naked image as the risk remained the same.

The program also gives advice about consent, pressure, the associated risks and speaking with authorities about unwanted sexting.

Schoolgirls are being warned: 'If someone's guilt tripping you into sending a sexy snap, or making you feel like you have to to prove that you like them, ask yourself, is this person treating me with respect, and if I were to send a sexy snap, how likely are they to keep it private, a week, month, or even year from now?'

Rosie author, Brodie Lancaster said: 'Classroom settings are really safe and important places to thoughtfully tackle difficult issues, like sexting, equality and violence.'

Research shows boys are four times more likely to pressure girls to send sexts.

Brodie Lancaster, a Rosie author said: 'Classroom settings are really safe and important places to thoughtfully tackle difficult issues, like sexting, equality and violence.'

ADVERTISEMENT

The lesson plans for teachers include activities such as thought bubbles, planning for a hashtag campaign and open discussions in a safe environment.

The Victorian Government has recently partnered with Microsoft to give all Victorian government schools, students and staff access to a broad range of software, including Minecraft: Education Edition.

Mr Merlino endorses this type of program stating: 'This is about giving our schools and students access to the best digital technology and programs to prepare them for the jobs of the future.'

'We know our kids will need skills in science and in technology as well as critical thinking, and programs like this give them the opportunity to develop in these areas.'