GLADSTONE, Mich. (WLUC) – The Michigan State Police Cyber Crimes Unit is giving presentations on cyber safety at schools across the U.P. and last week, the unit visited Gladstone High School to speak to 6th through 12th graders.
Gladstone high schoolers said learning how to talk about internet safety with the adults in their lives is essential.
“Obviously, sextortion and online safety is important for everybody but especially when we’re talking about youth,” Senior Reese Herioux said. “It’s really important to open up that dialogue.”
The presentation by the cybercrimes unit included topics like cyberbullying and sextortion. Sextortion is when people are blackmailed with nude images of themselves.
MSP Det. Trooper Collin Hinman spoke to the students. He said he hopes to spread awareness so students feel comfortable coming forward if they get in a “compromised” situation.
“The last thing we want is to have someone become vulnerable to the point where they hurt themselves,” Hinman said. “Or they’re exposed or exploited online and feel like they didn’t have the option to talk to someone.”
Students said telling an adult something that might be embarrassing or get them in trouble is hard.
“I think that it’s very important to tell your parent just in case something like that does happen,” Sophomore Addy Blowers said. “But also, it’s very scary to just admit that.”
Hinman said there are red flags to watch for, including when someone asks for personal information early on in the conversation or when a stranger asks to go from a group chat to a private conversation. He said if that happens, students should immediately take note of the user’s name, end the conversation and call the police.
“We will have the resources to eventually find out who they are,” Hinman said. “That way, you’re not making yourself vulnerable by staying in communication with them.”
The MSP also gives internet safety presentations to parents and guardians.
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Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
