You might ask, “What does online activity have to with my health?” Our health and well-being has many components: physical, emotional, social, financial, vocational, intellectual and spiritual. Approximately 65% of American adults use at least one social networking site, and at least 95% of American youth (12-17 years of age) are now online.
While traditional bullying is more prevalent than online bullying, studies show that about 21% of teens have been cyberbullied and about 15% admitted to cyberbullying others at some point in their lifetimes. It goes without saying that this type of behavior affects emotional health (which can then affect physical health).
Unlike the threat of a predator lurking in the bushes, an online predator has the advantage of being able to form a trusting relationship with a young person over time, and kids are so used to getting information online, that they often aren’t savvy about knowing what (and who) is trustworthy in the cyber environment. And it isn’t only young people who may be caught up in an online relationship—it can happen to adults as well, with possible negative financial, physical or emotional outcomes.
And we all have heard of identity theft—illegally obtaining another person’s personal information (such as credit cards, social security number, etc.) to use for their own benefit. This not only affects our financial health, but a person may also feel personally violated and vulnerable.
YOU ARE INVITED:
Sunday, June 12, 2016
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Western Cooperative Electric Building, WaKeeney
Jacque Beckman, a training specialist with Nex-Tech, will present a wide variety of information about internet safety.
Please RSVP by the end of the day Wednesday, June 8 to 785-743-2005 (you may leave a voice mail) or send an RSVP message here.
There is no cost to attend this program, which is sponsored by Nex-Tech, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and Prairie Faith Parish Nurse Ministry.