Jefferson County Schools recently hosted Let’s Talk About Cell Phones & Social Media, a community event focused on helping families navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. The event, held on October 16 at Washington High School, centered on one key message—it's never too late to help kids learn how to use social media safely and protect their mental health.
The evening began with a community dinner provided by SC Studios and Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers. Afterward, Sgt. Edwards with the West Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and JCS Director of Safety and Security Jeff Cisar led an eye-opening presentation about the risks children face online and how parents can help.
“It’s critically important for both parents and students to be aware of the dangers present online and within social media apps,” said Cisar. “Awareness empowers families to recognize and protect themselves from serious risks like cyberbullying, online predators, exposure to harmful content, and the negative impacts on mental health. This knowledge helps create open communication and responsible technology use at home.”
JCS principals Ms. Mahoney of South Jefferson Elementary School, Ms. Reed of Charles Town Middle School, and Mrs. Group of Jefferson High School also shared their perspectives on how social media and cell phones affect students at both the primary and secondary levels. JCS Community Support Liaison Taylor Westrope followed with a discussion about the connection between technology use and mental health.
For JCS parent and counselor Kelsey Siddoway, attending the event with her 14-year-old daughter made a lasting impression.
“While I was already familiar with many of the risks, the experience was eye-opening for my daughter,” she said. “It was incredibly valuable for her to hear these messages from voices outside her parents. It reinforced the expectations and boundaries we’ve set at home and encouraged more open conversations about online safety.”
Siddoway said her daughter even asked to share what she learned with her younger sister—a sign that the event’s message resonated deeply.