Parents in Morgan attend presentation about social media safety

Internet safety is a top priority within Morgan County School District. Teachers, staff and other personnel do everything they can to keep students safe at school and while they are on their Chromebooks; however, it is up to parents to do what they can to keep their students safe outside of school when they are on personal devices.

In conjunction with the Weber/Morgan Health Department, the district has provided three opportunities for parents and one for teachers to learn more about keeping children safe on the internet. Detectives Dustin Stewart and Sean Endsley from Weber County Sheriff’s Office work hard to keep children in Weber and Morgan County from encountering child predators. During one of the Asynchronous Days during the school year, teachers were invited to the presentation at the high school presented by Detectives Stewart and Endsley. Parents have been invited three times, along with their students, to the presentation in recent months.

The detectives encourage all parents to know what apps are on their child/teen’s personal devices and be aware of how each one works. Most apps for social interactions are a breeding ground for sexual predators who will groom young people to trust them or to convince them they are also a child or a teen.

During their presentation, the detectives talk about prevention and intervention. Following is a list of things children and teens who are on social media need to be aware of: Do not send explicit pictures to anyone. Even if you think you know the person. Do not accept friend requests from strangers. Do not give out any personal information. Keep all social media accounts private. Turn “Location Data” off or “Only allow while using.”

Once a parent discovers, or even suspects their child has encountered a child predator, there are intervention steps to be taken. The victim must report immediately to law enforcement. They must be honest about what they have shared. Stop communication immediately. Start documenting. Do not delete any evidence such as messages, photos and accounts.

Parents are encouraged to discuss these things with their children.