Sunflower House Presentation

Parents,

Here is an outline of the presentation your child heard Friday from the Sunflower House. The focus of the presentation was how to stay safe in the world of technology.

Sunflower House Presentation

12-13-13

Title: “Let’s Talk”

Age: 6^th-8^th graders

Main talking points:

·         Students need to Recognize, Resist, and Report

·         Personal safety is a priority

·         Students need to be aware of their personal space.

·         Students were asked the following questions:

1.      How many of you are familiar with social networking (100% yes)

2.      How many of you have access to some type of device that allows you access to the internet?  (100% yes)

3.      How many of you use instragram?  (Approximately 90% answered yes)

4.      How many of you have a twitter account  (29 students)

5.      How many of you have a facebook account? (15 students)

6.      How many of have snap chat?  (Approximately 20 students)

7.      How many of you have an X-Box live?  (Approximately 20 students)

8.      How many of you have your mom and dad help you set up your systems and/or accounts for privacy?  (Approximately 50%)

9.      How many of you have moms and dads who don’t have access to your accounts and/or don’t check them on a regular basis?  (Approximately 50%)

·         Facts on texting:  half of teens say they send at least 50 messages a day or 1500 a month.  It is their main way of communicating.

·         Students in the session were asked why they text rather than calling.  (Answers: it is unlimited, sometimes it is awkward to talk, faster, easier because we can get straight to the facts without a long conversation)

·         Discussed when texting can cause problems:

1.      When inappropriate pictures are sent

2.      When words are used that hurt another’s feelings…for example, you’re not a BFF anymore

3.      Remember that an entire family can be negatively affected by a mean text.

·         Discussed the importance of eye contact and face to face discussions to settle disagreements.

·         Discussion of Sexting: The law says that if you send a picture where someone isn’t wearing full clothing, you can be reported for child pornography.  In the State of Kansas you can be reported for a crime at the age of 10.

·         If you receive an inappropriate picture, do not forward.  Contact an adult who should contact the law.

·         Once you forward the picture, you are crossing the line into a possible crime.

·         You won’t be in trouble if someone sends you something.  It’s what you do with it that matters.

·         Discussion of how inappropriate pictures can be forwarded on.  Students watched a short clip where a teenage boy was sent an inappropriate picture of his girlfriend sent to him by his girlfriend.  They broke up and “to get back” the boy forwarded the picture to several people in high school.  Now, he is a registered sex offender at 18 years of old.

·         Colleges do not take registered sex offenders.

·         Discussed how one click (one send) can change a person’s life.

·         Students should not write or send anything they wouldn’t want their parents and/or teachers to see.

·          It is illegal to post inappropriate pictures.  It is also illegal to forward inappropriate pictures

·         Internet safety: Think before you post.  Keep in mind the words, Public and Permanent-Anything posted is public even if there is a setting that is marked “private.”  Pictures, texts, comments posted can become permanent because once on the internet (even if deleted quickly) a person could have already screen shot it, or shared it with another person..

·         Students need to be extra cautious as to who they are on line chatting with as there is no guarantee that the person who is on the other side is who they say they are. 

·         Students were shown a video where a teenage girl’s picture was taken by a friend, and forwarded to others.  The girl did not want to report it, because she didn’t want her friends to get in trouble.  She was afraid of retaliation.  She told her mom, who reported it to school authorities.  Eventually, the girl hung herself.  Very tragic  (Teachers were going to follow up with their classes regarding this video and explain that those who take their own lives are not always in a logical state of mind.  Teachers are going to empower students to get help if they feel threatened.) 

·         It was emphasized that this young lady never reached out for any help because she was trying to protect her friends.  True friends don’t put you in compromising positions.  Students need to be empowered to discuss events with adults.  

·         Students should never give out personal information on line to a stranger.

·         Teachers are mandated reports if they suspect some sort of abuse.

·         Twitter: Don’t just let anyone follow you. 

·         Mean girl behavior: The comments and things you say are no longer gone the next day.  There is an electronic record of everything.

·         Personal safety of the internet: Know what makes you uncomfortable.  Set your personal boundaries both physical and emotional.  Get your parents involved in your internet usage. 

·         You are responsible for your actions when using digital technology.

·         Stay in control of your online reputation. 

·         Never underestimate the speed of the internet.

·         Scenario: You are at a dress rehearsal for a play.  Girls are getting ready in one room-putting on make- up, changing costumes.  A group of girls wants to take pictures.  What should you be thinking about? (others could still be changing)  Think before you post any picture.

·         Scenario: What is you are researching on the internet for a classroom project/report/ or assignment and an inappropriate picture pops up?  (The students were instructed to “minimize” the picture rather than delete it.  Tell an adult.  The adult should report the inappropriate picture to the following agency:

                              Central Reporting Agency:  wwwcybertipline.com

Phone number is 1-800-843-5678