They learned that if inappropriate or pornographic material pops up on their computer while doing homework, they should "crash and tell." They should turn off the monitor - that's the crash part - and tell a parent.

Posters promoting the "crash and tell" practice were hung in school hallways, and each student who signed the poster received a chocolate kiss, which they used to "kiss pornography goodbye."

To drive the point home, students watched as Farmington Search and Rescue members threw computer monitors off the school's roof, during a "crash and burn" assembly.

Breanne Patch, the reigning Miss North Cottonwood Canyon, who organized the weeklong activities as part of her community-service platform, said tossing the computers was a show of dedication to fighting pornography.

"The purpose of White Ribbon Week is to help kids and parents understand the dangers of the Internet and pornography, and how to defend themselves against it," Patch said. "Most students are first exposed to pornography while doing homework on the Internet and many begin addictions in their teenage years."

Wendy Smock, assistant principal at Farmington Junior High, said the school has never had a problem with pornography being viewed on school computers, but the activities were a reminder to students and parents to be aware.

"It opens their eyes to the real world and gives them pause to think before they do something they shouldn't," Smock said. "It also lets them know that they can go to a parent or a teacher if they run across something inappropriate."

Activities during the week included cheerleader performances, an anti-porn rap-off, in which students performed rap songs, and a skit performed by the Layton High School LITE team.

The skit addressed the issue of taking inappropriate pictures with cell phones and sending them to other students.

"These kids aren't out there to be bad guys and do things that are wrong," Patch said. "Most of the time they're just trying to be cool and mature and don't realize that their actions can have serious consequences."

Parents heard from local law enforcement officials during parent's night and learned about the dangers of chat rooms and how kids download pornography. They also were advised to monitor video games that may include inappropriate material.

Both Smock and Patch agree communication is the key to stopping pornography addiction before it starts.

"Talk to your children. Make sure there's open communication, and make sure they don't feel like it's something secret," Patch said.

tdeans@sltrib.com

Most Memorable Teacher

Most people have at least one teacher who stands out in their memories. It could be the teacher who used love and understanding to encourage students, or the teacher who used tough love and consequences in the classroom.

Interested to know what impact teachers have had on local leaders? Each week the Class Act page will feature one community leader's memory of a favorite teacher.

This week's Most Memorable Teacher quote comes from Breanne Patch, Miss North Cottonwood Canyon, who travels along the Wasatch Front educating students and parents about the dangers of pornography.

Patch fondly remembers a science teacher, Miss Maureen Bobo, who taught at Rocky Mountain Middle School in Heber City.

"Miss Bobo was so fun and thoughtful. She is the teacher who sparked my love for science. One time she dressed up as an amoeba and made up a song that helped us remember different science terms."