Harding students learn of some social media pitfalls
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STEUBENVILLE -- Social media has proven to dominate youth's lives today, but students at Harding Middle School also learned how it has its pitfalls.
Seventh- and eighth- graders gathered in the school gym to hear journalist Catherine Bosley discuss "Forever and For All to See: Our Day of Digital Everything," which addresses the growing importance of reputation and image management in an age where one's photos, videos and words can be posted and easily seen across the world. The presentation is sponsored by the Jefferson County Juvenile Task Force in a proactive approach to educate kids on vital issues and reduce cases on the court docket.
Bosley, a former television news anchor, now travels the country to share cautionary tales of global online humiliation and educate students about the dangers of posting on the internet. She said there were ways to handle haters, such as ignoring mean comments, blocking bullies from their social media and reminding yourself that hateful comments come from people who do not feel good about themselves. Youth should also remember the "F Factor" of faith, family and friends.
"We are all going to have those 'what was I thinking' moments, but if there's one thing I want you to remember it's that pictures can be part of (the internet) forever."
Bosley said college admissions officials and potential employers can also view posts, which could impact the students' chances of attending their dream school or getting a job. She also warned them about trusting others who seek inappropriate photos or who may share their information.
"It could be a text or shared post or e-mail, and it's getting shared all over the place. The idea is to make sure you shine your light on for the rest of your lives. We need to protect our online reputation," she continued. "Listen to that voice in your head because it's literally a life-saving voice."
She encouraged youth to promote positivity with healthy selfies and words and to not bully or shame others. Privacy also is a myth in the internet era and there are images people can and cannot control. Bosley shared stories of teens driven to suicide by cyberbullying or sexting situations, adding that 62 percent of tweens and teens are online bullying victims while 25 percent are bullies. Sexting is also illegal when someone under age 18 takes, has and/or sends images, even if they are of themselves. That could result in jail or time in juvenile detention if convicted, while adult websites can access and post photos and videos and even track unidentified images back to the original poster.
"Everything you put out there is not only representative of you, it's representative of your family and it's representative of your school," she said. "Ohio students are being targeted (for sexting.) There are creepy people overseas saying they are kids and gaining your trust. They will try to talk you into sharing inappropriate pictures, and you think you are talking to another kid but they are creepy adults."
Another tactic known as sextortion is when people threaten to post photos unless they receive money. Bosley stressed the importance of telling someone and the county task force was there to protect them. She concluded by sharing her P.A.C.T. strategy for rising above: People (tell someone), Abandon (social media and negative people), Connect and This too shall pass.
"You are stronger and smarter and more equipped to help other people. The more vigilant we are and listen to the little voice, the less we can jeopardize our hopes and dreams," she said.
Jefferson County Juvenile Court Administrator Joe Colabella said the task force includes the juvenile court, sheriff's department, prosecutor's office, law enforcement, health department, Prevention and Recovery Board, Family Recovery Center, Ohio BCI, Ohio State Highway Patrol, ALIVE Shelter and A Caring Place Advocacy Center. Nine presentations were being held at county schools with more set for parents, plus there are plans address different topics in the future.
"Our task force was just formed this year," Colabella said. "We're going to pick a social issue every year so kids don't turn up on the formal docket of the juvenile court. The juvenile court was fortunate to receive a grant from the Ohio Department of Youth Services for community education on social issues."
Juvenile Court Judge Frank Noble Jr. said there was a great need to educate the youth.
"We saw there were issues in court with sexting, and in the next couple of years we will address suicide, bullying, vaping and some other issues that we're seeing. We have seen an uptick in internet activity and we want to try to be a little more preventative," Noble added. "The task force is extremely appreciative of the local superintendents and building principals for their cooperation in an effort to educate the juveniles of Jefferson County."
Harding Principal Bryan Mills said the assembly had an important lesson to learn.
"We're always trying to deliver a message of internet safety and awareness, and to have the Jefferson County Task Force and Catherine Bosley come in was very important. I'm always looking for outside resources to come and drive these efforts and I appreciate their message to the kids."
Bosley has also appeared at Buckeye Local Junior-Senior High School and Edison Junior-Senior High School with more dates set for Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Toronto, Steubenville High School on Sept. 19, Catholic Central High School on Sept. 20, Indian Creek Middle School on Sept. 28 and Indian Creek High School on Oct. 11.