During a recent government meeting, community members discussed pressing issues surrounding youth and technology, particularly the alarming rise of sextortion among teenagers. Chad Mathison highlighted an upcoming fundraiser for the Hubbard County Sheriff Mounted Posse, which aims to support scholarships and training programs. The event, featuring a hog roast and smoked turkey, will take place on Saturday from 5 to 6:30 PM, located just north of Lake George.

The conversation shifted to a presentation by Tara Brown, which focused on the dangers of cell phone usage among teens. Brown revealed that 80% of teenage males have been solicited for sextortion, leading to severe consequences, including suicide. She emphasized the permanence of digital images, noting that once shared, they can circulate indefinitely, often leading to blackmail.

Statistics shared during the meeting indicated that the average teenager spends nine hours a day on their phone, receiving approximately 273 notifications daily. This excessive screen time is linked to a decline in social skills and an increase in anger and coping difficulties among youth. Brown stressed the importance of mentorship to prepare this generation for future workforce challenges.

Further concerns were raised about the influence of mobile applications on young children. A former police officer discussed how certain apps are grooming children as young as four for exploitation, with particular mention of the Bridal app, which is perceived as safe but poses significant risks. The officer urged parents to be vigilant, as many are unaware of the potential dangers associated with seemingly innocuous apps.

The meeting concluded with a call for greater parental involvement and responsibility in managing children's technology use, alongside the need for schools to implement effective strategies to mitigate these issues. The community is set to continue these discussions at an upcoming coffee talk scheduled for October 17.