GLADSTONE, Mich. (WLUC) – The Michigan State Police Cybercrime Unit has been giving presentations on cyber safety at schools across the U.P., and last week the unit visited Gladstone High School to help students in grades 6-12. I spoke with students up to the first grade.
Gladstone high school students said it was vital they learned how to discuss internet safety with adults in their lives.
“Obviously, sextortion and online safety are important to everyone, but especially when you’re talking about young people,” senior Reece Heliou said. “Opening the dialogue is very important.”
Presentations by the Cybercrime Unit included topics such as cyberbullying and sextortion. Sextortion is when people are blackmailed with nude images of themselves.
MSP Measurement Officer Colin Hinman addressed the students. He said he wanted to spread awareness so students felt safe coming forward if they found themselves in a “dangerous” situation.
“The last thing we want is for someone to be vulnerable enough to hurt themselves,” Hinman said. “Or they have been exposed or exploited online and feel they don’t have the option to tell someone.”
Students said it was difficult to talk to adults about things that were embarrassing or could get them into trouble.
“I think it’s really important to tell the parents in case something like that happens,” sophomore Addie Blowers said. “But I’m so scared to just admit it.”
Hinman said there are red flags to look out for, such as when someone asks for personal information early in a conversation or when a stranger asks you to move from a group chat to a private conversation. If something like that happens, students should immediately note the user’s name, end the conversation and call police, he said.
“Ultimately we will have the resources to find out who they are,” Hinman said. “That way you’re not putting yourself at risk by continuing to communicate with them.”
MSP also provides presentations to parents about internet safety.
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