Social media – We can’t stop it but they are ways to make our kids safer.

Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think on these things.”

Adult awareness and loving guidance can encourage our children/youth to handle the experiences and challenges in unchartered situations. 

St. Luke’s Council attended the Minneapolis Synod Took Kit. There are a variety of sessions to attend. As a Council we try to have a member attend each one. Jan Pankratz, Secretary attended the “Online Sextortion Targeting Youth – What Is It and How Can We Prevent It?” It was presented by Joy McElroy.

Teens, parents, grandparents, and those entrusted to care for youth need to recognize the risk with social media.   We frequently make comments about social media, but we need to recognize how frequently these interactions happen.   Youth especially teenagers in the 14–17-year (boys more than girls) are being targeted for exploitation.  Last year over 27,000 reports were made to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children with 350 reported suicides.
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Below are things to be aware of and how you can respond.

• Kids online world
  • Social media - the most common platforms are Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook
  • Gaming – exploitation starts with offering gift card
  • Sharing Photos – many start out innocently
  • Messaging – Spreading gossip, half-truths, and pictures 
  • Methods used by perpetrators and key drivers that give them access
  • Catfishing is most common >80%.  I send you something you send me something
  • Effectiveness of Deception (false trust)
  • Ease of access & fake profiles
  • Psychological manipulation

 

• Warning Signs & Risk  (Behaviors you may notice)
  • Mental Health Issues
  • Isolation
  • Financial loss or theft
  • Poor academics
  • Poor work performance
  • Legal & Criminal consequences

 

• Recommended Guidelines
  • Open Communication with children (now is not the time to judge)
  • Offer to join in when playing games
  • Secure the account (private or parental controls)
  • Preserve Evidence
  • Talk to a Trusted Adult

 

• Resources & Websites:
  • National Center for Missing & Exploited Children & CyberTipline 1.800.843.5678
  • Cherishallchildren.org
  • Take it Down (ncmec.org) Free service to remove or stop online sharing of nude, or sexually explicit images or videos of child
  • Missingkids.org/netsmartz -safety videos and tools
  • www.netsmartzkids.org -videos, games, and activities for young kids
  • Stopsextoration.com – created by youth by Thorn

​St. Luke’s has a Protection and Safety Handbook, that is a part of our Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults Training. We require all volunteers working with these groups to attend the training and have a background check that is provided by our insurance carrier, Church Mutual.

If you are interested in being a part of these ministries, please contact the Church Office:
952-881-5801 or [email protected]