Internet Safety

• Stay Safe Online: Simple and effective steps for staying safe online.
• NetSmartz: This is an animated social networking safety video for teens that highlights real-life stories and rules that make social networking safer. The NetSmartz Web site is sponsored by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
• Wired SAFETY: Wired SAFETY is the world's largest resource for Internet safety and education.
• Teenangels: Teenangels is a group of 13- to 18-year-old volunteers who have been specially trained in all aspects of online safety, privacy, and security, and who run programs on safe Internet use and surfing. Students can also learn how to become Teenangels themselves.
• Parenting.org: This site offers specific information for one of two target audiences—students or parents. The site includes both print and video resources.

Each year, St. Thomas High School invites an FBI agent to address the students and parents about internet safety and concerns. Recent speakers and presentation topics are listed under School Presentations below, as are links to subpages that contain various news stories regarding a variety of internet issues.

School Presentations

On May 4, 2010, FBI Special Agent Amanda Hinton gave a presentation to the freshmen that focused on several points of Internet safety, including:

• The importance of not sharing personal information about oneself to the world at large, even if the student has privatized his Facebook page;
• The danger of predators and how they attempt to manipulate and deceive young people;  

She also spoke of the legalities and dangers of sharing files through both the Internet and through cell phones, and in particular personal and inappropriate pictures. Father Huber then followed up with the morality and occasions of sin that the Internet provide, speaking of God’s precious gift of sexuality that is often exploited and dishonored by pornography. He encouraged the young men to respect others, especially ladies, and to respect themselves. Father Huber then sent an e-mail to all St. Thomas parents reminding them of Internet Safety. His message can be accessed by clicking here.

On January 12, 2009, FBI Agent Randall Clark addressed the freshmen and sophomores on Internet Safety, with a particular focus on how adults attempt to “groom” young people on line, especially those who are particularly vulnerable because of personal problems they may be experiencing.  He likewise pointed out to the students the danger of exchanging or downloading illegal pornographic images and the possible consequences.  Father Huber followed up a) by encouraging those students with various personal problems in their lives to confide in someone they trust here at school rather than make friends with a stranger over the internet, and b) presenting the Christian viewpoint of why pornography is not only dangerous and unhealthy, but immoral and sinful.  Teachers then distributed Internet Safety brochures, which can be accessed by clicking here.

Throughout the second semester, theology teachers will reserve one day in junior and senior classes to make a powerpoint presentation prepared by Father Huber on internet safety.  The class is meant to be interactive where students can share their experiences and concerns.  That powerpoint is available by clicking here.

On March 5, 2008, Fr. Huber gave a presentation at the University of St. Thomas entitled Internet Safety, Morality and Social Networking: A Christian Approach for families and students as part of the University’s Lenten Lecture Series.  The session was videotaped and is available for viewing on the university’s website by clicking here. The accompanied powerpoint is available by clicking here.

On September 25, 2007, FBI Special Agent Anne Figuerias visited with our students during the day and our parents during the evening to share concerns on Internet use, social networking online, and safety measures to protect our young Men of Saint Thomas (and their sisters and brothers). Special Agent Figuerias is the daughter of Dewey J. Gonsoulin, ’47, Attorney at Law.

On September 18, 2006, FBI Agent William Weaver visited St. Thomas and discussed the FBI's internet safety presentation at a student assembly. Father Huber then shared his thoughts with the students to supplement the presentation.

Agent Weaver returned the following week to share the FBI's adult version of his internet safety presentation with our parents during an evening session. Father Huber then shared his STH presentation that reflected his discussion during the previous week at the student assembly.

Internet Usage Safety Tips

In the News & On Television