×

Lessons in good social media shared at school assembly

VIENNA — Making the right choices, especially when it comes to what not to post online, was the message Mathews High School students received during assemblies this week from staff at the Trumbull County Juvenile Justice Center.

Mathews High School Guidance Counselor Julie Berkhouse said the assemblies were held to make students aware of being careful of what they post online.

JJC diversion probation officer Christine Prelee and chief diversion officer Jolene Calderone told students that many employers will look at what someone has posted on Facebook or social media sites.

”Social media postings do not go away, so be very careful what you post,” Prelee said.

Calderone said the information will change that person’s life if they want to be a coach, teach or be in certain career fields.

”This is why you need to make good choices. Posting photos or words you may think are funny do not go away. We want to help you make the right decisions,” she said.

Court appearances also don’t go away. The speakers showed examples of people facing various charges who, even if found innocent, will have mugshots and charges always available on the computer.

“Ten years from now, that information may pop up,” Prelee said.

Prelee and Calderone said that because of charges and what was posted, some employers doing background checks may not hire someone.

They gave an example of a woman in California who took photos of another woman in a club’s locker room and posted them online as part of a body-shaming post. She faces invasion of privacy charges, which will affect any future job she may seek, they said.

”There is an expectation of privacy when you are in a bathroom or locker room as compared to standing outside in a public parking lot,” Prelee said.

Calderone and Prelee said what people post online, even anonymously, that harasses and bullies others has led to some people committing suicide.

They said police can search a phone when photos or messages are sent that relate to bullying, cyberbullying or sexting that shame, embarrass or harm someone else.

”They will go to the sites you posted on and look at everything on it,” Calderone said.

Prelee and Calderone said 13 million children are bullied each year much online.

The program was approved by Judges Pamela Rintala and Sandra Harwood, who said they wanted to have students to see the consequences of what happens when items are posted online.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today