Posted
December 04, 2025
As part of the ongoing partnership between home and school, Kelly Andrews of St. Edward’s Counseling Department offers a monthly speaker series designed to equip parents with the tools, clarity, and confidence they need to navigate today’s rapidly changing world. These sessions are built to be practical and immediately useful—giving parents reliable guidance on the issues that matter most.
A recent presentation featured Emily Fagan-Zirm from the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, who addressed a concern nearly every parent feels at some point: How do we keep kids safe online without constantly looking over their shoulders? Emily broke down the realities of today’s digital landscape and offered clear, manageable strategies families can use long before problems arise.
Her talk focused on four essential areas—online privacy, digital kindness, healthy communication, and emerging technology—giving parents a straightforward framework for setting expectations, having productive conversations, and supporting teens as they learn to make responsible choices online. It was a timely, eye-opening discussion that reminded families they’re not in this alone.
Even responsible teens can encounter situations online they don’t expect. Awareness and early conversations are the best tools parents have.
-Emily Fagan-Zirm, Outreach Coordinator, Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
1. Set Clear Expectations for Online Privacy
Fagan-Zirm encouraged parents to frame online privacy as a simple reminder to “pause before posting.” She noted that parents can set expectations that fit their family’s comfort level, including:
which photos of family and friends are okay to share
what types of personal information should stay offline
how to handle conversations while gaming
what’s appropriate to create or share in videos
whether to use “check-in” or location-sharing features
how to respond to content that feels inappropriate
She emphasized that when teens know why personal details—such as names, addresses, school information, phone numbers, and passwords—need to stay private, they’re better equipped to make smart, safe choices online.
2. Promote Digital Kindness and Awareness of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is repeated, intentional harm delivered through phones, computers, or social media. It can feel more persistent than traditional bullying because it follows kids beyond the school day.
Rather than focusing on alarming scenarios, Fagan-Zirm encouraged parents to ground their expectations in kindness and respect. “If we expect the same behavior online that we do in person, it sets a clear tone,” she said. She also encouraged parents to notice subtle changes in behavior and remind teens they can always speak up without fear of getting in trouble. “When teens feel safe coming to you, you get ahead of things early.”
3. Prepare Teens for Sensitive or Uncomfortable Online Situations
Teens today navigate digital communication norms that didn’t exist a generation ago—including being contacted by strangers online, facing pressure to share images, or responding when a conversation suddenly becomes uncomfortable. Fagan-Zirm encouraged parents to talk openly about boundaries, peer influence, and how to exit situations that don’t feel right.
To help families understand the broader landscape, she shared statewide data showing how widespread these encounters can be:
These reports often stem from situations where teens interact with people they don’t actually know, or where an online conversation escalates quickly. That’s why, Fagan-Zirm explained, normalizing these conversations at home is essential.
“Let your teen know he won’t get in trouble for asking for help,” she said. “That reassurance alone can stop a situation from escalating.”
4. Teach Teens to Think Critically About Emerging Technologies
Artificial intelligence and altered content—deepfake images, edited videos, and posts designed to mislead—are increasingly common online. Teens may not always recognize when something has been manipulated.
“Teens are curious,” she said. “A simple conversation about how these tools work can go a long way.” She encouraged families to talk about edited images, exaggerated posts, and why being thoughtful with photos and videos matters.
Kelly Andrews closed the session by reminding parents that they don’t need perfect answers to make a difference—just a willingness to stay connected. “Our goal isn’t to make families feel overwhelmed,” she shared. “It’s to help parents feel informed and supported as their sons grow more independent online. When teens know the adults in their lives are paying attention and ready to listen, it gives them a foundation to make thoughtful choices. We want them to have responsible digital footprints.”
She encouraged parents to approach digital safety as an ongoing conversation rather than a single talk. “You don’t have to cover everything at once,” she said. “Little check-ins—while driving, at dinner, or after a school day—often lead to the most honest conversations. What matters most is that your son knows you’re in his corner.”