According to the Wired Family Group. (awiredfamily.org)  A recent survey of youth 13-18 yrs old. When asked about the internet and their phones they gave the following response.

• The number one app by far for teens is YouTube.
• 25% of teens between the ages of 17-18 were sexting.
• 21% of teens had been asked to send a naked photo
• 22% had received an unrequested nude photo of the sender
• 75% of all teens between 13-18 were allowed to take their phones into their bedroom. (For the record, that majority of sexting takes place in that same location – not to mention phones in the
bedroom is the leading cause for sleep deprivation of teens.)
• 89% of teens ages 17-18 felt that pornography was somewhat of an issue within their peer group.
• 78% of girls between the age of 17-18 said that social media somewhat made them feel bad about themselves.
 • About 32% of teens used either social media or video games more than 3 hours per day – even though the suggested total number of daily hours is 2. 

 Having worked in the schools for many years with my Be friendship Focused Clubs in 5^th grade and having my own child become one of these statics I put together a new program focusing on Internet Safety for Girls starting in the 5^th grade in hopes that they will not become a static.  Through this program we talk about different social media apps and their dangers.  How what they put on the internet will follow them the rest of their lives. The dangers of all apps. How to make sure they do not become a static. We also talk about self-esteem, eating healthy and how to be a nice person. Due to Cov-19 this program was cut short this year. However the 5 classes we did get to complete was really an eye opener for the girls.  Many of them had cell phone but did not know how to make sure a person could not find their location.  Many of my girls immediately turned their location setting off. The girls also learned what to watch for and what to do when someone is sending them inappropriate messages.  One girl in the 5^th grade had already had this experience and told her parents.   I feel as the technology continues to change and grow this class is necessary for the future and safety of our young girls.