Diane Joganich, Assistant Director for Information Technology at Holy Ghost Prep, came to St. Jude School on April 15-17 to talk to students of various ages about how to use the internet wisely and protect themselves online. Below are some important highlights from her talk.
 
Online Dangers
The internet is a valuable resource, but there are many dangers lurking and it needs to be used responsibly. Young people need to have guidance and limitations in their use of any devices that connect to the internet. A few of the issues Mrs. Joganich addressed with the students:
 

• Cyber harassment and cyber bullying: Harassment is between two people, while bullying is more public. If you’re a victim of this behavior, talk to your parents about it and block the person, but keep emails or texts as evidence so you can report the behavior. You should not allow anyone to mistreat you, and you are probably not the only victim, so you will be helping other people by reporting it.
• Inappropriate images or postings: If you have or receive any sexual images, delete immediately! If a person has an image of an underclad minor on his or her device, even if it wasn’t shared with anyone, it can be considered possessing child pornography, and even students can be put on a sex-offender list. Never, EVER take pictures or allow anyone to take pictures of you that are compromising or unflattering. Once they get online, they will be out there forever, somewhere.
• Being careful of what you post or pass on: Colleges and employers do online searches of candidates. Ask yourself, “Would my grandmother be ok with seeing this?” If not, don’t post it!
• Avoiding predators: Never assume that the person is who he says he is – the “12 year old girl” online could be a 42 year old predator. Never accept friend requests from strangers. Don’t create suggestive user names or names that make you sound older than you are. Never give out information about your school, your location, or any other identifying information. If someone is complementing you online, he may be “grooming” you. Never plan to meet someone you only know through the internet.
• Turning off geolocation: If geolocation is on for your camera, your location is imbedded in the picture. When you put that picture online, there are ways to find your location from that picture.
• Online gaming: Gaming can be fun, but it also presents many dangers. Gaming can be addicting, taking up a great deal of time and contributing to lost sleep. A game may start out free but it becomes very expensive when players start buying things in the game. And since many games allow players to talk together while they play, it provides opportunity for online predators and cyber bullies. The language and subject matter discussed during the games often introduce content that young children should not hear.
• Distractions: If you work and entertain yourself on the same technology, whether that’s gaming, watching videos, or using social media, you can be easily drawn away from your schoolwork.

 
Parental Controls
Help your children and teens understand that your job is to guide them in the responsible use of technology and to protect them from harm. Work to create a partnership in evaluating internet use. Together with your children, check privacy settings on social media accounts and parental ratings on games and apps.
 
To help them learn self-discipline and prevent addictions, limit their time on games. Consider awarding game time for completed chores or schoolwork, or allow it only on specific days. Keep all devices out of the bedroom. This was also recommended by Detective Cummins when he spoke to St. Jude adults on January 31, 2019.
 
Educate Yourself and Your Children
Former Google executive Tristan Harris admits internet was designed to be addictive and to grab our attention. It’s crucial to make yourself aware of the various dangers of internet misuse. Mrs. Joganich recommended we keep ourselves regularly updated on safe internet use, since technology is constantly changing.
 
Many thanks to Mrs. Joganich for her presentations. Below are some of the resources recommended by her and by Detective Cummins to help you educate yourself and your children.
 

• Be Internet Awesome Digital Safety Resources – includes an interactive game for elementary students, family guide, and family pledge
• TED Talk of Tristan Harris, former Google exec (teens should also watch this): How a handful of tech companies control billions of minds every day
• Important book based on research: Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction is Hijackiing Our Kids – and How to Break the Trance – by Nicholas Kardaras, PhD
• Article: 1 Simple Trick to Curb Cell Phone Use
• Summary of Detective Cummins’ presentation at St. Jude
• App & game reviews and other parental aids: Common Sense Media
•  “7 day Digital Crash Course for Parents,” which emails one short video each day to show parents how to set the filters on websites and social media: to sign up, Text SECURE to 66866