The presentation on online safety for youth underscored the prevalence of social media and its potential perils, particularly when it comes to excessive screen time. Recommendations were made to limit social media usage to no more than 2 hours per day. The speaker highlighted popular social media apps like Snapchat, alerting to the importance of configuring privacy settings and being wary of location services. The discussion expanded to the risks associated with popular gaming platforms, especially the messaging features that connect users from various locations. A notable real-life example was cited involving an 11-year-old girl from New Jersey who was kidnapped by a man she had communicated with through an online gaming platform.

The potential risks and benefits of AI technology were also addressed, with the speaker detailing the impact on privacy rights, the generation of fake images, and social and emotional well-being. To combat these issues, the presentation included safety tips such as teaching children to navigate away from unexpected content, monitoring browser history, and implementing parental controls on devices. Emphasis was laid on the essentiality of creating a non-judgmental atmosphere for discussions on online activities and ensuring the safeguarding of personal information on social media platforms.

In conjunction with the presentation, the board’s discussion on online safety for students delved into the dangers of interacting with strangers online and the implications of downloading files without proper authorization. The board covered strategies to handle cyberbullying, such as not engaging with the aggressor, documenting incidents, and utilizing reporting and blocking tools. The emphasis was on maintaining open parent-child communication to facilitate transparency regarding online encounters.

The impact of social media on mental health was a concern, with the board highlighting the risks of prolonged exposure to social media and specific types of detrimental content, including violent or harmful imagery. Warning signs of social media’s adverse effects on mental health were outlined, and the importance of parents recognizing these signs and engaging in candid conversations with their children was stressed.

Additionally, the meeting stressed the importance of setting healthy boundaries in the digital space and fostering values of respect, kindness, and empathy. An example was given of a child playing an online game with a friend, illustrating how emotional upset can arise from digital interactions and the necessity of guiding children through such experiences.

Resources for mental health support were not overlooked; the board discussed a program that offers free, mobile-friendly help for stress, anxiety, and depression.

The various discussions and presentations converged on the need for awareness and proactive measures to protect students from the multifaceted dangers of the internet.