School Safety Forum addresses top concerns: Cybersecurity, Grooming, and Fentanyl.
Amid the growing concerns of cybersecurity, child grooming, and fentanyl poisoning, the Orange County Board of Education in Southern California recently hosted an engaging panel on September 20th. The panel featured experts who shared valuable tips on how to keep children safe in today’s digital age. Trustee Lisa Sparks explained that the board specifically chose these topics because they are becoming increasingly prevalent in schools across the state. The goal was to educate both school staff and parents about the warning signs and symptoms they should be aware of.
Fentanyl and Drug Crisis
One of the panel discussions focused on the fentanyl and drug crisis. The panelists included Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner, Sgt. Brian Gunsolley of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and Toni McKinley, executive director of the Magdalene House in Austin, Texas, which supports survivors of human trafficking.
Mr. Wagner revealed alarming statistics, stating that Orange County has seen a staggering 1,700 percent increase in fentanyl-related deaths since 2016. In 2022 alone, there were 673 fentanyl-related deaths. He emphasized that fentanyl has become the leading cause of death for Orange County youth under 18.
To combat this crisis, Mr. Wagner announced that the county will make naloxone, a drug used to reverse the effects of opioids, readily available to anyone who feels they need it at the Orange County Health Care Agency. He also stressed the importance of equipping parents and teachers with the necessary tools and information to address this problem immediately.
Mr. Gunsolley echoed Mr. Wagner’s sentiments, urging parents to have ongoing conversations with their children about the dangers of drug abuse. He emphasized the importance of providing daily love and affection to children, especially during challenging times, as they are more likely to turn to drugs when facing difficulties.
Ms. McKinley shared a personal story about her daughter, Jessica, who tragically lost her life to an overdose at the age of 23. She highlighted the significance of connecting with children, particularly those who have experienced trauma, as they are more susceptible to substance abuse. She emphasized the need for empathy, non-judgment, and active listening when supporting survivors of trauma and addiction.
Online Safety and Grooming
Another crucial topic discussed during the panel was online safety and grooming. Panelists, including Special Agent Tory Torres of the Orange County Child Exploitation Task Force, educator and advocate Brenda Lebsack, and cybersecurity experts Matt Friedman and Jack Britton, provided valuable insights and tips.
Ms. Lebsack raised concerns about certain posters in Orange County schools that promote the National Suicide Hotline and The Trevor Project, an LGBT organization. She explained that these resources may survey children about sensitive topics without parental consent, potentially exposing them to online predators.
Ms. Torres emphasized the importance of parents understanding the dangers of websites and social media apps. She revealed that many cases of child sexual exploitation come from popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Google, and WhatsApp. Predators often create fake accounts to befriend children and then groom them by sharing inappropriate material and requesting explicit photos.
To protect children, Ms. Torres advised parents to set ground rules, such as only adding and messaging people they know in real life, only downloading approved apps, and no phones behind closed doors. She also highlighted the risks of location-based apps and urged parents to have open conversations with their children about appropriate online behavior.
Assemblymember Bill Essayli provided a legislative perspective, emphasizing the importance of consequences for those who target youth online. He stressed the need for prosecutors to take action against bad actors and send a clear message that these crimes will be taken seriously.
Overall, the panel aimed to raise awareness and equip parents, teachers, and community members with the knowledge and tools to protect children from the growing threats of cybercrime, drug abuse, and exploitation. By fostering education and open dialogue, the Orange County Board of Education hopes to create a safer environment for children both online and offline.
How can schools and communities work together to prioritize digital safety education and address cases of grooming or drug abuse
Ety and grooming. The panelists for this discussion included Detective Seth Hermanson of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Julie Robitaille, Vice President of Communications at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and Dr. Alexis Carpinteria, a clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent mental health.
Detective Hermanson emphasized the importance of parental involvement and monitoring in a child’s online activities. He encouraged parents to familiarize themselves with the platforms and apps their children are using and to have open and honest conversations about online dangers. He also highlighted the role of law enforcement in investigating and tracking down online predators.
Julie Robitaille provided valuable insights into the tactics used by groomers to manipulate and exploit children. She advised parents to be aware of signs such as sudden changes in behavior, secretive online activities, and receiving gifts or money from unknown sources. She stressed the need for parents to report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Dr. Carpinteria focused on the psychological impact of online grooming and how it can impact a child’s mental health. She discussed the importance of building resilience in children and teaching them about healthy boundaries and consent. She also emphasized the need for schools to incorporate comprehensive sex education and digital literacy programs to empower children to protect themselves online.
Trustee Lisa Sparks concluded the panel by highlighting the responsibility of schools and communities in addressing these issues. She encouraged schools to prioritize digital safety education and to establish clear protocols for reporting and handling suspected cases of grooming or drug abuse.
The panel provided a wealth of information and resources for parents, educators, and community members to address the growing concerns of cybersecurity, child grooming, and fentanyl poisoning. By raising awareness and equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge, Orange County is taking proactive steps towards safeguarding its youth in today’s digital age. The conversation does not end with the panel; it is crucial that the community continues to prioritize these issues and work together to ensure the safety and well-being of children in Orange County.
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