Bridlewood Academy is committed to the safety and well-being of every student. In keeping with that commitment — and in compliance with South Carolina law — this notice informs our students, families, staff, and community about Gavin’s Law and the dangers of sexual extortion.

What Is Gavin’s Law?

Gavin’s Law (H.3583, Act 54 of 2023) is South Carolina legislation enacted in 2023. It added Section 16-15-430 to the South Carolina Code of Laws, creating the criminal offenses of sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion.

Under the law, “sextortion” — using sexually explicit images or videos to blackmail, threaten, or coerce another person — is a felony. It is an aggravated felony when the victim is a minor or a vulnerable adult, or when the victim suffers bodily injury or death as a result of the crime.

The law is named in memory of Gavin Guffey, a 17-year-old from Rock Hill, South Carolina, who lost his life in 2022 after becoming the victim of an online sexual extortion scheme. His family’s advocacy led to the law’s passage.

Bridlewood Academy’s Policy and Commitment

South Carolina law requires schools to implement a policy that educates and notifies students about the provisions of Gavin’s Law, and to provide adequate notice to students, parents and guardians, the public, and school personnel. To meet this requirement, Bridlewood Academy will:

• Educate students about Gavin’s Law and the dangers and consequences of sexual extortion through age-appropriate instruction, delivered in accordance with South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) guidance and incorporated into the school’s Erin’s Law (Comprehensive Health Education) instruction during the academic year.
• Use SCDE-provided materials, including the instructional resources and video developed by the South Carolina Department of Education.
• Notify students, parents and guardians, school personnel, and the public of the law and its provisions, including by publishing this notice on the school website.
• Collaborate, as appropriate, with the South Carolina Department of Education, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Office of the Attorney General to support proper implementation of Gavin’s Law.

Bridlewood Academy serves students in 5K through 6th grade; instruction is provided at age-appropriate levels for the grades served.

How to Report Sextortion

If you or someone you know is being targeted, remember:

• Do not pay, and do not delete. Stop all contact with the person, but save the messages and any account information.
• Tell a trusted adult — a parent, guardian, teacher, or School Counselor Olivia Wadford.
• Report to law enforcement by contacting your local police department or the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
• Report online to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org or 1-800-843-5678. NCMEC’s free Take It Down service (takeitdown.ncmec.org) can help remove explicit images of minors from participating platforms.

Support

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out to School Counselor Olivia Wadford, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 — free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Learn More

For the South Carolina Department of Education’s official Gavin’s Law information and resources, visit ed.sc.gov.

Questions may be directed to:
Principal Michael Manning
1543 Malvern Hill Drive
Camden, SC 29020
803.572.4150
mmanning@bridlewoodacademy.net

Bridlewood Academy adopted this policy in accordance with Gavin’s Law (Act 54 of 2023) and South Carolina Department of Education guidance.