Cyber Safety in the News

I am a High Schooler. AI Is Demolishing My Education.

The Atlantic, September 3, 2025

The article explores how high school students are beginning to see AI not just as a futuristic concept, but as a tool that is already woven into education. It describes several classrooms where teachers are integrating AI into assignments, for example using AI for drafting essays, generating ideas, or providing feedback. The author notes that students often show enthusiasm and curiosity, but also skepticism, especially around issues like accuracy and originality. Some teachers are experimenting with “AI contracts” or guidelines where students must disclose when they used AI and how.

However, the piece also addresses the ethical dilemmas and tensions that arise when AI becomes part of schooling. It discusses concerns over plagiarism, overreliance on AI tools, and fairness for students who have various levels of access to technology. The article argues that for AI to be a positive force in education, schools must pair its use with lessons in critical thinking, transparency, and clear policies that guard both academic integrity and equity. The ethical implications of AI use are just beginning to be heavily debated as more and more students and teachers begin using it regularly.

Landlines Are Making a Comeback and They’re Helping Families in a Major Way

Parents Magazine, September 17, 2025

In recent years, some parents are reintroducing landline phones into their homes as a way to reduce screen time, limit distractions, and encourage more meaningful, voice-only communication among children. The resurgence is driven by concerns about smartphone overuse, the negative effects of constant notifications, and the desire to give kids a simple, safe tool to connect (such as to friends or grandparents) without exposing them to apps, video, or social media.

Many parents report that landlines are already showing benefits: children talk more attentively, express themselves better, and build basic conversational skills without the pressure of visual distractions. In addition, because a landline is stationary and simpler, it gives parents more control over when and how communication happens, making it easier to set healthy boundaries around digital use. Is this something you would consider for your children?

Students Turn Back to Books as More School Districts Implement Phone Bans

Newsweek, September 21, 2025

In Kentucky’s Jefferson County Public Schools, a new statewide policy banning electronic devices during class has triggered a surge in traditional reading. At Ballard High School, library checkouts jumped from 533 books last year to 891 in August alone, as students, deprived of their phones during the school day, turned to books for entertainment. Librarians say this reading trend persists into September, with circulation increasing by about 39% compared to last year. Schools across the district have started coordinating library visits and beefing up book displays to meet the sudden demand.

The article places this shift in a broader national context: phone and device bans in classrooms are being adopted by many states, and officials argue the bans help students focus, reduce distractions, and improve engagement. While some parents are concerned about restricting access in emergencies, proponents point to early reports of behavioral improvements and increased academic focus in districts that have enforced the bans. The schools we work with who have implemented phone bans report an overwhelming decrease in social media and group chat issues amongst their students.

Middle School Boy Accused of Catfishing Classmates in Sextortion Scheme

New York Times, September 22, 2025

In Rockland County, New York, a middle school student is charged in an online sextortion scheme targeting classmates. The investigation began in February 2025 after six male students (ages 12–14) came forward, reporting that someone posing as a girl online had persuaded them to send explicit images or videos. The suspect allegedly threatened to share the material with the victims’ peer groups unless more media or gift cards were sent and is now facing multiple felony charges involving child sexual performance and promotion of such material.

Law enforcement has expressed concern that the six identified victims may represent only a small fraction of the total number affected. Investigators believe there could be hundreds of victims, from other schools, states, or even countries. The suspect remains a juvenile whose name has not been released, and authorities say the local nature of the case makes it unusually disturbing compared to many sextortion schemes that originate from outside jurisdictions.

In response, local schools and police are organizing forums and awareness campaigns to inform parents and students about sextortion dangers and digital safety. School leaders are urging open, judgment-free conversations at home and greater supervision of students’ online communications. The case serves as a sobering reminder of how vulnerable students are in an era of digital connectivity and how essential education, vigilance, and community support are to preventing online exploitation.