Students in Pike Road learn the dangers of social media

Students at Pike Road High School and Pike Road Junior High School spent part of Thursday afternoon learning about the dangers of social media.

Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey made the trip to the River Region to lead an assembly on Alabama House Bill 168, along with the safety concerns minors need to know on their social media so they don’t become a victim or an offender.

Alabama House Bill 168 was passed by the Alabama Legislature earlier this year and signed by Governor Kay Ivey. The new law raises the maximum age for crimes and charges people in possession of obscene materials involving children.

District Attorney Casey wanted the students to know the dangers so they can keep themselves and their friends safe in the future.

“Studies show that many of our young kids, as early as 9 and 10, are either being exposed to or sending nude photographs,” said Casey. “So, the earlier we can get to them and explain to them the importance of protecting themselves and protecting themselves from strangers they don’t know on social media, the better. The earlier, the better especially for parents.”