Bayfield High School will host a student assembly next week focused on online safety and responsible digital behavior as school leaders work to raise awareness about the risks students may encounter online.
Administrators recently shared information with families after several students reported concerning online interactions. Some students have been targeted by phishing attempts, asked for money or personal photos, or pressured into uncomfortable situations by people they met online.
The issue is not unique to Bayfield. National statistics highlight how widespread these challenges have become for young people navigating online spaces.
Reports of online enticement submitted to the CyberTipline jumped dramatically from 292,951 in early 2024 to 518,720 in the first half of 2025 alone, reflecting a sharp rise in attempts to exploit or manipulate minors online. The FBI also estimates that up to 500,000 online predators may be active each day, while experts believe that more than 75 percent of online crimes involving sexual solicitation of children are never reported to police or parents.
Social media platforms can also expose teens to harassment and bullying. Surveys show 79 percent of young YouTube users report experiencing cyberbullying, followed by 69 percent on Snapchat and 64 percent on TikTok. Girls and young women report especially high rates of online harassment, with 58 percent saying they have experienced some form of abuse online.
At the same time, heavy social media use can have serious impacts on student well-being. Research shows that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face roughly double the risk of experiencing poor mental health, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Researchers also warn about the addictive nature of social media platforms. Some studies suggest social media engagement can be more addictive than alcohol or cigarettes, with 94 percent of participants reporting they feel troubled or anxious when they are without their phones. These findings highlight why helping students build healthy digital habits is an important part of supporting their overall mental health.
Rather than lecturing teens about online behavior, BHS administrators recommend approaching the topic through conversation and curiosity. Students are often more open when adults ask thoughtful questions about their experiences and perspectives online.
Try these suggestions:
Start with their world
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What apps do you think adults misunderstand the most?
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What’s something online that feels normal to teens but would surprise parents?
Discuss risks without accusations
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What’s the sketchiest direct message you’ve ever seen someone get?
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What’s the fastest way someone can ruin their reputation online?
Use hypothetical situations
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If someone you met online asked to move the conversation to another app, what would you think?
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What would you do if someone threatened to share a private photo?
Talk about social pressure
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Why do you think people post things online they wouldn’t say in person?
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Is it harder to be kind online or in real life?
Recognize digital red flags
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How can you tell when someone is trying to manipulate you online?
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What’s a “too good to be true” situation you’ve seen?
Most importantly, adults should make sure students know they can ask for help.
Questions like “If something uncomfortable ever happened online, what would make it easier to tell an adult?” can open the door to honest communication and build trust.
Bayfield High School leaders emphasize that online safety is a shared responsibility between schools and families. By working together and keeping communication open, adults can help students navigate digital spaces safely and confidently.
Families are encouraged to check in regularly with their students about their online experiences and to remind them that support is always available if something doesn’t feel right.