Those close to the issue suggest we're dealing with an "epidemic" of sexual contact between teachers and students. It may be because schools aren't doing enough, or technology is doing too much.

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Data compiled by Drive West Communications found New Jersey ranks among the top 10 states so far this year in the number of cases involving educators accused or convicted of improper relationships with students. Tracking media reports, 18 such cases were spotted in New Jersey since Jan. 1.

Terri Miller, president of Stop Educator Sexual Abuse Misconduct & Exploitation (S.E.S.A.M.E.), said the issue is one that's not addressed enough in our nation's schools.

"We won't hear about it in any of our school orientations or back-to-school packets," Miller said. "We have to be able to empower parents, students and other faculty members on what to look out for."

The state Department of Education said rules or regulations regarding teacher or school officials and their interactions with students are created and administered through the local school districts. A law that passed this year addresses the issue of electronic communication between employees and students, but again, local districts are required to adopt their own policies on the matter.

In response to the law, the New Jersey School Boards Association revised and released a model policy that districts could use to comply.

Smartphones and social media are giving students and teachers 24-7 access to each other and "perpetuating the problem," according to Miller.

"It has skewed the boundaries," she said, noting that students need to know where to draw the line as well.

Miller said there have been too many cases of teacher-student sexual contact that don't result in official charges or terminations, and through backroom deals or confidentiality agreements, potential offenders can get back to teaching in no time in other districts.

S.E.S.A.M.E has been pushing legislation that would criminalize "passing the trash."

"We don't know who those predators are until they offend another child," Miller said.

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