Farmingville, NY – On March 12, the Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau conducted a Social Media Safety Forum for more than 700 students at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Port Jefferson Station. The presenters from the Youth Bureau were second-year level master’s degree social work student interns Gerriann D’Aquisto, Brittany Hayes and Krystyna Swiecicki. Pictured is second year master’s degree social work intern Brittany Hayes, who helped conduct the Social Media Safety Forum.
According to a 2018 study by the Pew Research Center, 95 percent of teens now report they have a smartphone or access to one, and 45 percent of teens say they are online on a near or constant basis. YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook are the most popular online platforms among teens. The survey also found there is no clear consensus among teens about the effect social media has on the lives of young people today.
The Youth Bureau’s timely presentation focused on what not to share on social media, how to make a safe and secure password and what to do if something goes wrong or you see something that is not right. The presenters also told students to make sure they T.H.I.N.K. before they post, meaning:
T: Is it True?
H: Is it Helpful?
I: Is it Inspiring?
N: Is it Necessary?
K: Is it Kind?
For more information about Brookhaven Youth Bureau Programs, visit brookhavenny.gov or call 631-451-8011.
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone 631-451-6595