SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZO — An urgent warning was sent to parents at McIntyre Elementary School from Southfield Public Schools officials. The message, which was blasted out via email, said in part, "students may have been exposed to self-harm/suicide games."
7 Action News obtained a copy of the email that went on to give resources for parents to utilize to help avoid online dangers and assist if their child does become a victim.
TONIGHT: An urgent warning for parents in @Southfieldk12.
— Rudy Harper (@RudyHarperWXYZ) January 26, 2021
The school blasting out an email that says “students may have been exposed to self-harm/suicide games.”
We got our hands on this email sent to elementary parents. @tv20detroit at 10@wxyzdetroit at 11 pic.twitter.com/QJTqAH3kAw
A cyber-crimes expert said these dangerous websites are easily accessible and can be hidden in plain sight.
Here are some resources to keep your child safe online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/keep-your-child-safe-online-at-home-covid-19
USDOJ
https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/keeping-children-safe-online
The district's email included three apps to monitor your child’s digital world:
- T-Mobile Digits (Free) – Monitor your child’s text messages
- Google Family Link (Free) – Set limits on your child’s digital world
- Bark.us (Cost) – Professional dashboard to manage your child’s world digital world
The school district also offered contact information to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
JUST IN - The district sent a statement after our request for an interview with the superintendent. @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/TZRWvEZrrR
— Rudy Harper (@RudyHarperWXYZ) January 26, 2021
