In this heartfelt episode of Secured, host Mike Matranga continues the conversation with Lori Downs and Chele Gillon of Barron County Public Schools, diving deeper into the challenges parents face navigating online safety and mental health with their children. Matranga shares personal experiences as a father, reflecting on the difficult decisions parents must make when balancing digital boundaries with their child’s desire for social inclusion—like allowing access to apps such as Snapchat to avoid isolation from peers.

The conversation emphasizes that parenting in the digital age requires compromise, open communication, and ongoing conversations rooted in trust and support. Downs and Gillon stress that modeling appropriate online behavior, creating tech-free zones, and setting rules around social media are essential, but so is maintaining strong emotional connections with children. They encourage parents to respond calmly when children confide in them, ensuring the child feels safe coming forward even after a misstep.

The educators also stress the evolving role of schools in stepping into parenting gaps, often acting as the counselor, nurse, and protector when families fall short. They urge schools to take a proactive—not reactive—approach by training staff, using anonymous tip lines like the Kentucky Homeland Security’s STOP Tipline, and instilling a culture of early intervention.

Ultimately, the message is clear: online safety starts with relationships. Through empathy, transparency, and consistent education at home and in school, we can empower children to protect themselves—and know they are never alone.