Lawyer Gives Presentation on Digital Citizenship to OPS Students

School lawyer Karen Haase of Lincoln spoke to O'Neill Public High School students about Digital Citizenship last Wednesday. 

She covered several topics, including cyberbullying, sexting and ignoring internet safety.

Haase explained the legality of each in great detail, which was an eye-opener for student to learn the school, civil and criminal consequences.

Cyberbullying is the use of electronics or cell phones to engage in repeated, hostile behavior by individuals or groups intended to harm.

“Anything can be recovered,” Haase said, reminding the students that even if they delete something, it can be found again.

Sexting is the act of sending sexual explicit messages, or photos electronically, primarily with cell phones. Statistics showed that 20 percent of 12 - 14 year olds have sexted. Haase said that not only the sender, but also the receiver of the messages, can get in trouble with the law.

Katrina Gotschall, an English teacher at OHS, said while technology can be beneficial, it can have negative consequences.

“We are more connected in the 21st century, which can be good, but it can also be bad,” Gotschall said.

Haase said people can find out almost all of someone's personal information just by having their phone number online.

Haase invited students to contact her  through several social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat under the username of Karen A. Haase if they had any questions.

By Olivia Schmale

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