Should Social Media Companies Be Responsible for Online Drug Dealers Targeting Kids?

Should Social Media Companies Be Responsible for Online Drug Dealers Targeting Kids?

Recently, news stories, lawsuits, and hearings have exposed the danger social media poses for young people. Lawmakers investigated how social media harms teens’ mental health. Others criticized the profusion of pornography on social media. A January Congressional...
Sextortion Crimes on School Computers

Sextortion Crimes on School Computers

At the end of 2023, the Department of Justice released a public safety alert regarding online sextortion crimes against children and teens. According to CNN, predators targeted “[a]t least 3,000 minors, mostly boys” with sextortion schemes. In comparison to previous...
What Schools Need to Know about Forums and Chatrooms

What Schools Need to Know about Forums and Chatrooms

The teenage years are periods of personal exploration, experimentation, and change. As such, teenage students frequently seek anonymous conversation online. According to The Routledge Companion to Digital Media and Children, anonymous online communication offers teens...
Teaching Students to Understand Their Digital Footprint

Teaching Students to Understand Their Digital Footprint

Technology is central in today’s classroom. In a special report, Education Week states that “[I]t might not be a tectonic shift yet, but the changes taking place in the K-12 tech landscape as a result of the coronavirus school closures are real and...
The Risks and Dangers of Anonymous Question Apps

The Risks and Dangers of Anonymous Question Apps

In 2009 and 2010, anonymous question-and-answer apps exploded in popularity. These apps, which target young users, include Spring.me, founded in 2009, and ASKfm, launched in 2010. Newer apps, such as NGL and Sendit, integrate with social media sites such as Snapchat...
School Cybersecurity in Mississippi: How LearnSafe Ensures School Safety

School Cybersecurity in Mississippi: How LearnSafe Ensures School Safety

Earlier this month, the Mississippi State Auditor’s office distributed a report regarding cybersecurity in schools. Specifically, the report addressed whether or not students were able to access online material that may be harmful or is not age appropriate. The report...