Youthful Digital Decisions Often Lead to Unintended Consequences, Law Enforcement Representatives Say

St. Charles County Judge Rick Zerr and agents from the St. Charles County Cybercrime unit presented parents with data about recent incidents involving underage minors and their use of digital devices at a talk called “Parenting in the Digital Age” on Thursday, February 4, 2010.  Zerr remarked on the extraordinary lack of concern today’s teens have about privacy and personal space compared to adults.  Younger generations may not have been much more concerned about privacy than today’s teens, but technology allows personal information and images to be disseminated to scores of people instantly.

Zerr described present day life as “a perfect clash” between the explosion of digital technology and kids without maturity and knowledge of legal, social, emotional and physical risks.  Judge Zerr and Cybercrime agents encouraged parents to have frequent discussions with their children about these issues and to set limits with all things digital.  Examples included:  limiting the number of texts allowed per month; keeping digital devices out of bedrooms and other private areas; familiarizing themselves with Internet/texting slang terms; and encouraging kids to avoid posting private information and photographs as much as possible.

Zerr said that this generation is at great risk of being solicited, harassed, bullied and having their personal information/identities stolen.  There is potential for teens to be charged with crimes because of their lack of awareness about when cyber-activities they view as “no big deal” cross into illegal territory.  Parents are the best resource kids have to help them navigate the digital world if tehy  keep themselves informed about the constantly changing digital landscape.  Conversations about all the consequences of digital life (legal, social, emotional, physical) should be discussed and revisited frequently.