Sheriff's Office To Teach Parents About Modern Hazards Facing Teens

Release: LCSO

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) will begin a series of courses focusing on issues facing today’s teenagers when it comes to the use of technology. The first course will take place next week at Dominion High School in Sterling.

Over the past several years, the agency has received local and national recognition for its work in promoting Internet safety courses aimed at educating parents. The LCSO will reach out to parents with a two-part technology-based course on the modern hazards associated with the use of technological devices such as smartphones and tablets, including how they can affect an individual’s mental health.

As part of the program, the LCSO has teamed up with the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services to provide information on trends in mental health and technology.

“The everyday users of these technological devices are becoming younger and younger, and they are becoming exposed to things that are difficult for them to comprehend,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. “These devices have allowed users to target our youth and victimize them not only physically, but emotionally. It is important for parents to understand the dangers that are out there and how we as a community can protect our children.”

Part I, “Technology Safety: What Parents Need to Know,” takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, March 2, at Dominion High School at 21326 Augusta Drive in Sterling.

Part II, “Mental Health and Today’s Teens: What Parents Need to Know,” will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Dominion High School.

Please be advised that these are PARENT ONLY CLASSES due to GRAPHIC CONTENT.

Part I will teach parents about the hazards faced each day by the youth who have made technological devices a must-have part of their daily lives. This class will also provide parents advice on how to talk with their children about the dangers.

Topics in this class will include Internet-based technology trends, personal security, legal issues, new technology, gaming trends, crossover technology, influence and recruitment via technology, predator behavior and techniques, image-sharing precautions, local statistics and cases, and findings from this year’s youth-based initiative, “Technology Safety for Teens.”

Part II will look at cyberbullying, sexting, risk-taking behaviors, technology-based peer pressure and influence, pros and cons of technology and other relevant topics.

This program will also have mental health professionals making presentations on several topics, including Internet Addiction. They will discuss this diagnosis and how this addiction affects individuals and the often unseen psychological costs involved.

This program also will go into practical approaches to negotiate the problems associated with Internet Addiction and other technology-related issues and where parents can find helpful resources and services.

Additional courses are being scheduled at this time at area schools. To learn more about upcoming classes and events held by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.sheriff.loudoun.gov/lcsocalendar