COAL TOWNSHIP - One of the biggest challenges in today's tech-filled world for students and parents is the fingertip access to the Internet on computers, smart phones, tablets and gaming systems.
Despite all the positives, there are also as many negatives, including the epidemic of cyber bullying.
With that in mind, Shamokin Area Middle/High School this week presented to seventh- and eighth-grade students a program entitled "C.S.I.: Cyber Safety Investigation" by the Weller Health Education Center of Easton. Erin Green, health educator from Weller, presented the program.
"It is one of our most prominent health issues," Green said. "Overall, health is a mixture of physical as well as mental health."
The program covered a number of topics, including cyber bullying, geotagging, keeping your information private, the threat of online predators, fake profiles, creating safe and secure passwords, uncomfortable situations and other topics to help keep everyone safe in the cyber world.
"We want to make sure that students have all the information they need to be healthy and safe," Green said.
During a Power Point presentation, students were able to answer simple questions about their online usage by using a remote clicker. The program also featured several news clips and videos.
Green presented statistics about Internet usage among teenagers - 93 percent of teens go online and 69 percent have their own personal computer.
The program was broken down into eight sessions Monday and Tuesday. Approximately 35 students attended.
Results of the 12:35 p.m. session Tuesday found 89 percent of the students have Facebook accounts, 44 percent have received inappropriate messages, 51 percent have felt uncomfortable online and 47 percent have had their feelings hurt online.
Green stressed students should report any inappropriate activity they see online to a parent, teacher or trusted adult and to never give out a password, home address or phone number. She also reminded students that once they post or send anything online, it is out there forever.
Green said cyber bullying can happen anywhere and can take many different forms. She said cyber bullies think they are safe and can't get caught, but they are subject to harassment laws.
The program closed with a short video about cyber bullying that was presented by senior Ryan Savitski, a member of the school's Students Against Bullying group. The video was set to the song "Breathe Me" by Sia.