Teens learn the dangers of sharing too much online - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Teens learn the dangers of sharing too much online

Posted: Updated:

For young adults - YouTube, Twitter and Facebook are virtual diaries, where teens have no qualms posting things others may find far too personal for strangers.

But when teens reveal their darkest struggles - and mention suicide - the game changes.  Do you scroll By the boy or girl who could be crying wolf - or do you stop - and do something?

On a cold Saturday morning, in this church Downtown, members of Youth Leadership Toledo gather for a monthly meeting.   These are some of the best and brightest, kids who have their whole lives ahead of them.

 We introduced them to the story of a Canadian teen whose life took a very different turn. In September 2012, 15-year-old Amanda Todd decided to tell the world how one lapse in judgment changed her life.

An older man convinced her to flash the camera - he screen grabbed the image - and it went viral. Relentless bullying pushed Todd to switch schools, then turn to drugs, alcohol, cutting … and even a suicide attempt.

Weeks after she posted the video - Amanda was found dead. Countless people watched, shared and commented on it - but no one helped.

In a time when social media is an extension of our personas, Todd's tragedy is one small piece of a much larger puzzle.

Dr. Ken Miller, Clinical Director of Youth and Family at Harbor says that teens plastering their pain all over the Internet can cause desensitization, but could also create an opportunity to find help.

"The good news out of this bad news is that there's 4.5, 4.6 million hits on this ... So people are very interested. And if they can learn from this - then it doesn't necessarily have to get worse because we're humans ."

That means parents need to get involved and educated about social media and some experts say schools need to be more proactive.

The Youth Leadership teens also say it's time for their generation to step up and speak out, even if it means taking some heat.

  • Local

  • Saturday, May 18 2013 10:50 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:50:34 GMT
    Three suspects are still on the loose after an-early morning home invasion and murder in Waterville Township and investigators say the death of 34-year-old James Safadi was not a random act of violence.
    Investigators say the home invasion death of 34-year-old James Safadi in Waterville was not a random act of violence. They believe the local business owner was targeted.
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 9:01 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:01:59 GMT
    A team that played  football  for years has reunited to pay tribute to their coach who died from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.It was the fifth year for the Dave Calabrese Football Blitz, but
    It was the fifth year for the Dave Calabrese Football Blitz, but the first without Calabrese, who died just days ago after a battle with ALS.
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 7:57 PM EDT2013-05-18 23:57:12 GMT
    While the most intense of the severe weather will be in the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley, it is possible that we could see some severe thunderstorms, as early as Monday night, especially west of the Toledo metro area.
    While the most intense of the severe weather will be in the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley, it is possible that we could see some severe thunderstorms, as early as Monday night, especially west of the Toledo metro area.

Area Events Calendar

See It, Shoot It, Send It!

Powered by WorldNow
3514 State St. Erie, PA 16508
Newsroom: (814)454-8812
Toll Free: 1(800)454-8812
Business offices: (814)454-5201
WICU FCC Filing
WSEE FCC Filing
Share:
Share Stories
Submit your stories to our site!
Share Photos
Share your photos in our community galleries
Mobile:
Mobile Site
Be sure to stay constantly updated with the power of WICU12 and WSEE at your fingertips
Free Android App
Free iPhone App
Free iPad App
Storm Tracker App
Droid
iPhone
iPad
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WICU. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
                   WICU/WSEE - 3514 State Street Erie, PA 16508 - (814) 454-5201 - info@wicu12.com