Seaman Middle School students recently had the opportunity to learn important lessons about online safety from two special guests with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Child Victims Unit. The agents shared a presentation, including videos and real-world examples, to help students understand how their online actions can have lasting consequences and how to protect themselves in today’s digital world.
Key Lessons from the Presentation
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Think Before You Post – Students were reminded that inappropriate posts, such as mean messages, explicit pictures, or re-sharing private content, can cause long-term harm.
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Protect Your Personal Information – Passwords, addresses, phone numbers, emails, current locations, vacation plans, and family information should never be shared online.
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What to Do if Harassed – If students face unwanted requests from peers, older teens, or adults, they were encouraged to block the person, refuse in-person meetings, report through the app/site and the CyberTipline, keep their accounts active for reporting purposes, and most importantly, tell a trusted adult. Red flags to watch for include inappropriate requests, pressure to do things against their will, and asking for private details.
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Preventing Cyberbullying – Agents emphasized the responsibility students share in creating a safe online culture. Cyberbullying can take many forms—hurtful texts, spreading rumors, posting fight videos, or resharing inappropriate content—and carries serious consequences. Students were urged to consider how they would feel if the situation were reversed.
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Seeking Help – Students were encouraged to speak up if they or someone they know experiences any of these issues. Trusted adults—parents, guardians, teachers, school resource officers, or police officers—are there to help. Reporting is the first step in staying safe.
Resources Shared with Students
A Special Demonstration
To close the visit, one agent gave students a unique demonstration with his K-9 partner, Count. The trained dog specializes in locating electronics that may contain evidence in criminal investigations. Students watched as K-9 Count successfully found devices hidden along the wall, showing just how critical these tools are in keeping children safe.
This presentation served as an important reminder to students that online safety requires awareness, responsibility, and the courage to speak up.