JPII Parent Seminar: Lt. Ferrelli Highlights Social Media Dangers and Solutions for Parents

On September 26, Special Operations Lieutenant Bill Ferrelli from the Bluffton Police Department spoke to parents at John Paul II Catholic School, addressing the growing dangers of social media and offering valuable insights into how families can navigate these challenges. With over 16 years of law enforcement experience in Bluffton, including time as a School Resource Officer, Lt. Ferrelli brought a unique perspective to the seminar, having witnessed firsthand the evolving landscape of social media-related issues.

“The dangers and concerns of social media are never going to get much better with the access young people have,” Lt. Ferrelli explained, pointing out that nearly every issue law enforcement encounters in schools can be traced back to online interactions. He urged parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children's online activity: "Be aware and track what your children are doing," he said. "Parents usually don’t know until after that there is a problem. You can take that phone away that has social media. Parenting starts at home. You are the parent!"

This message resonated deeply with parents and staff in attendance. JPII Admissions Coordinator, Anne McClure, emphasized the importance of open dialogue with children. “Keep that conversation going,” she said. “Your child needs to be comfortable talking to you and showing you what is going on.”

A key point Lt. Ferrelli addressed was the rise of AI technology, which is making it easier for photos to be manipulated and misused. He warned parents about the dangers of sextortion—a crime where a real or manipulated photo is used to extort money from a child or their parents. His advice? "Google yourself and show your children what comes up," offering a tangible way to demonstrate the risks associated with sharing personal information online.

Sister Mary Beth Kubera, JPII guidance counselor, added to the conversation by highlighting the long-term implications of online behavior. “Our children should be aware that colleges and employers are looking at social media accounts,” she cautioned, reminding parents that what may seem trivial in the present can have lasting consequences in the future.

One sobering discussion centered around cyberbullying, a 24/7 threat that is difficult for parents to control. “Bullying isn’t like it was when some us were in school,” Lt. Ferrelli noted. "Even photos that your child may think they deleted are still out there, and their friends are seeing it on their phones. Snapchat is one platform where you think it goes away, but it can be screenshot and saved." This has left many children vulnerable to constant harassment.

However, parents are not without recourse. Lt. Ferrelli explained that the Unlawful Communication Statute allows parents to press charges if their child is being harassed through text or online messaging, depending on the age of the child involved especially regarding fake accounts. He explained that children have become more adept at covering their tracks online, often creating duplicate or fake accounts to hide their activity. “That’s our biggest concern—kids have learned to cover their tracks better,” he said. However, when others create a fake account with your child’s name or likeness, he reassured parents that they can still take action: “A parent can contact the police when they learn an account has been created from their child’s account.”

Throughout the seminar, Lt. Ferrelli emphasized the importance of building confidence and trust with children. “Confidence, conversations, communication, and that bond with your children are the vital aspects of steering your child through social media pitfalls,” he said. “You are going to know that they know, and you can talk them through how to do the right thing.”

As the seminar wrapped up, the message was clear: while the dangers of social media continue to grow, proactive communication and involvement from parents are essential tools in protecting children. Lt. Ferrelli’s advice provided a roadmap for how families can approach these challenges with confidence and control, equipping them to handle the complex and ever-evolving world of social media.