Digital Danger Zones for Educators: Understanding and Responding to Today’s Online Risks

From viral trends to virtual threats, today’s students are growing up in a hyper-connected world where digital drama can quickly spill into the classroom. This essential workshop equips teachers and school staff with the knowledge to understand the online landscape their students are navigating, and the risks they face. Participants will explore the realities of teen social media usage, the impact on mental health, cyberbullying, the dangerous world of catfishing, and the serious legal consequences that can arise when mandated reporters learn about student sexting. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of their own digital responsibilities, the high-stakes implications of students’ online choices, and how to be a trusted, informed adult in a world where students increasingly turn to educators for support.

AUDIENCE: School staff
DURATION: 120 mins (recommended) for the full presentation; they can also opt for a two-part series (each one hour) is just one of the two parts. 
FORMAT: Any size group is acceptable but small group seating is recommended

PART 1 TOPICS –

• Social media usage and its impact
• Exploring what a digital footprint is
• Limitations to free speech - both for students and educators
• Cyberbullying and how that impacts a digital footprint
• How social media posts can come back to haunt us
• Understanding the dangers and criminality of sexting as well as the implications for mandated reporters

PART 2 TOPICS –

• What catfishing is and why people catfish
• How AI and deepfakes have contributed to false identities and scams
• Understanding sextortion – how it happens, motivating factors, and what platforms are used most often
• Helping students navigate digital danger zones