By Misty Strieff Prine “Don’t ever be ashamed of the scar’s life has left you with. A scar means the hurt is over and the wound is closed. It means you conquered the pain, learned a lesson, grew stronger, and moved forward. A scar is the tattoo of a triumph to be proud of. Don’t allow your scars to hold you hostage. Don’t allow them to make you live your life in fear. You can’t make the scars in your life disappear, but you can change the way you see them. You can start seeing your scars as a sign of strength and not pain.” – Unknown Scars. We all have them in some form. They may be superficial scars or deep-rooted ones. Either way, we shouldn’t be ashamed of them. Like this says above, scars remind us of what we’ve been through, how long it took us to get through them, how God used them and how we use them as our testimony to help others. The scars may remind us of the terrible times that almost broke us, but we have to understand that revisiting them thinking we could’ve changed them is useless. You can’t change the past, but you can embrace what comes your way in the future. How we view those scars shows our strength and ability that comes through grace and healing by the hand of Almighty God. Our scars tell a story...a story of how God brought us through the most difficult battles of our lives and lived to tell others about it so that they too can be pointed to Him and receive all of the glory He can get again and again and again. Scars are reminders of just how beautiful God’s grace is! **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com Sick and tired of trying to teach little Johnny how to be potty trained, instead of leaving a tell-tale path of stain everywhere he goes? Exhausted from the constant battle to teach your two little warrior-siblings to learn to love each other and not try to kill each other every day? Ready to just toss in the towel and let those kids just live exactly how they please, because you are too sick of it all to care anymore? Could be, but sorry, you don’t have the right to walk away and let them live any way they choose. And not just for their sake. For the sake of the nation. Parents, you cannot afford to get lazy. To not firmly discipline the generation after you. Whatever we parents teach them, or fail to teach them, are the only things our kids will have learned. And what they have learned about functioning in life is the only things they can possibly pass on to their children and grandchildren to come. And don’t say, “That’s ridiculous, I’m not their only source of learning, they are surrounded by school-teachers, friends, and (God forbid) our government programs to give them training.” Mom and Dad, they are YOURS and therefore  your  total responsibility, not the schools or the government. Neglected kids are going to grow up and reproduce. They will replicate what they have learned, and think it is normal and natural. And if you are a lazy parent, your kids will only know how to be lazy, uncaring, and self-serving people. Might as well teach them that they are not humans, they are pigs. If every parent acts like that, our country will soon have pigs running the schools, the government, and parenting families. Those pigs will teach their babies how to be pigs. And human behavior, the way God intended His created humans to behave, will be lost forever. Think I am being ridiculous and a fear-monger? Yes, I am exaggerating purposely. But let me ask you; What happens if a baby is never encouraged to learn to speak? What happens when a toddler is never taught that it is wrong to hit and bite other toddlers? Answer: That behavior continues. And that is what I am saying. A few hundred years later, and that standard will be all that our nation will know. Because generations pass on exactly what they have lived. Parents and grandparents, you do not have the right to raise your kids any way you please. Yes, of course, your children are yours to love and guide and discipline. But if all of us choose to raise our kids without any morals and discipline, just because we have that right, then in just a few generations we will have grunting, rooting-in-the-mud pig leaders of our families and our good ol’ USA. Scary picture. It's past time to grow up, man up, and become real parents who teach their kids to be human. Oink, oink.

By Guest Columnist Dr. Stephanie Duguid   As temperatures climb and humidity thickens in South Central Mississippi, it’s important to stay mindful of how extreme heat can impact our health. Whether you’re working outdoors, relaxing in the backyard, or enjoying time by the pool, summer safety should be top of mind. Heat-related illnesses can sneak up quickly, especially during the hot and humid days we often see in June and July. Here are some simple, yet effective, ways to protect yourself and your loved ones: Hydrate Frequently : Water is your best friend. Drink plenty throughout the day -- even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks, as they can lead to dehydration Dress for the Weather : Lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing helps your body breathe. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors! Limit Outdoor Activities : Try to schedule outdoor tasks in the early morning or late evening. Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors when needed. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion : Watch for symptoms like dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, or weakness. If these appear, move to a cool place, sip water, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Pools and splash pads are great ways to cool off in the heat, but they also require caution -- especially when children are involved. Supervise at All Times : Drowning can happen in seconds and in just inches of water. Never leave children unattended, even for a moment.   Avoid Running Near Water Areas : Wet surfaces are slippery. Prevent falls by encouraging walking, not running, near pools and splash zones. Teach Water Safety Early : Children should learn how to float, swim, and safely enter and exit the water. Enroll them in local swim classes if possible. Have Safety Equipment Nearby : Keep life vests, a reaching pole, and a phone in close proximity in case of emergency. Visit the Wesson Park Splash Pad : Looking for a fun, safe, and local way to cool off? Don’t forget about the splash pad at Wesson Park.  It’s a perfect spot for kids to enjoy water play while staying cool -- and it’s free and open to the public during the summer months. Just remember to bring sunscreen, water bottles, and towel Our pets feel the heat, too -- and they can suffer from heatstroke just like humans. Keep your four-legged family members safe with these summer pet tips: Provide Shade and Water : Make sure pets have access to fresh water and a cool, shaded place to rest -- especially if they’re outdoors. Never Leave Pets in Cars : Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can rise dangerously in just minutes. Protect Their Paws : Hot pavement can burn sensitive paws. Walk pets in the early morning or evening when surfaces are cooler. Watch for Heat Stress : Excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, and vomiting can all be signs of heatstroke. If your pet shows these symptoms, get them to a vet immediately. This summer, enjoy everything summer has to offer -- from backyard BBQs and poolside fun to refreshing splash pad outings, but don’t forget to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from the dangers of extreme heat. Wishing you a safe, sunny, and joyful summer! EDITOR'S NOTE:  Dr. Stephanie Duguid is owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR Classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching).  She is also a Mississippi Health Ambassador.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) encourages firework safety this Independence Day.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission , injuries from fireworks have increased overall between 2008 and 2023. “It’s up to you to implement safety standards when shooting fireworks at home,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “That means using common sense, never pointing fireworks at another person, and disposing of fireworks in water to prevent fire.” To avoid injury, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal suggests you follow these safety tips: Use common sense: always read and follow the directions on each firework. Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Buy from reliable fireworks sellers. Store them in a cool, dry place. Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks. Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready. Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees. Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance. Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks. Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. Never give fireworks to small children. Never carry fireworks in your pocket. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers. Observe local laws. Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks should first check with their fire protection officials to make sure that local laws are being followed. Some municipalities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits. The SFMO performs pyrotechnic inspections for shows that are performed on state-owned properties. Pyrotechnics companies must apply for a permit for shows. Once received, the SFMO verifies all information pertaining to insurance, technicians, and local public safety information. Deputies must be on site for the firing of the display and clean up.

By: Kara Kimbrough Berry Patriotic Cheesecake Fluff Salad is the easiest possible dessert to make for a Fourth of July gathering, but you wouldn’t know that from the creamy, delicious taste.   The Fourth of July is only a few days away, so the first thing I did was check the extended weather forecast. Yep...it’s going to be a scorcher.     Even though I did pick up a new charcoal grill the other day simply because it was on sale post-Memorial Day AND already assembled, I doubt I’ll be standing out in the heat grilling anything on the 4th. However, every traditional Fourth of July meat – burgers, hot dogs and my favorite, ribs – can be baked in the oven and here’s the important part – tastes almost as good as if they’d been grilled over an open flame.   To get a jump on your holiday meal planning, I’m sharing recipes for my favorite oven-baked ribs, an old-fashioned macaroni salad that piqued my interest after watching vintage videos of Martha Stewart making one and last, a fluffy, delicious and patriotic cheesecake salad that requires no baking. If there are other patriotic food items you’d like to make, drop me an email and I’ll share a few recipes from my files.      Happy Fourth of July!     Oven-Baked 4th of July-Worthy Ribs  (Serves 6-8) 6 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs) ½ cup brown sugar 4 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper ½ cup apple cider vinegar mixed with ¼ cup water 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups barbecue sauce      Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Rinse and pat dry the ribs; remove the silver skin from the bone side. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.      Drizzle olive oil over the ribs and coat evenly with the dry rub mixture. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight). Place wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 3 hours. Unwrap ribs, brush with barbecue sauce, and bake uncovered at 375 degree for an additional 20 minutes until caramelized.   Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Macaroni Salad 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced about 1/2 a small onion 1/4 cup finely diced Dill pickles about 1 small pickle 2 hardboiled eggs, chopped (optional) 1 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons yellow mustard 1 teaspoon finely ground sea salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper      Cook the pasta according to al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked macaroni, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, dill pickles, and chopped egg. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, sea salt, and black pepper until well-combined.      Pour the dressing mixture over the macaroni mixture and toss gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.   Berry Patriotic Cheesecake Fluff Salad 2  cups miniature marshmallows 16 ounces vanilla yogurt (I used fat free Greek yogurt) 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed (1 tub, you can use the lite version if desired) 1 package (11.2 ounces) no-bake cheesecake mix 2  cups sliced strawberries (extras for topping) 2  cups blueberries (extras for topping)        In a large bowl, mix all ingredients (except the graham cracker crumbs that may have been included with your cheesecake mix). Top with extra strawberry slices and blueberries. Serve immediately, or store covered in the refrigerator.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton congratulates Hart on successful completion of the Mississippi Policy Fellowship Program. Photo by Bryce Perry. Scarlett Hart, Director of Communications and Special Assistant to the President at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, has completed the prestigious Mississippi Community College Policy Fellowship Program. The year-long program focused on advocacy, legislation, leadership, and policy development in higher education. The program culminated with a trip to Washington, D.C., where fellows met with national leaders and Mississippi's Congressional delegation to advocate for initiatives that strengthen the state's community college system. Sponsored by the Mississippi Community College Board in partnership with AdvocacyBuild, a Washington, D.C.-based organization, the program has produced more than 120 alumni since its founding in 2012. Hart has been employed at the college since 2016. In her current role, she oversees all areas of college communications including public relations, sports information, and marketing affairs for the college's three campuses. Additionally, she works with the college president concerning legislative affairs and legislative priorities, special projects, and cultivating internal and external relationships to move the college's initiatives forward. She earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from The University of Southern Mississippi and a master's degree in community development from Delta State University. She is a graduate of the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy and the Leadership Co-Lin program. She is a member of the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM) where her campaigns and photography have earned numerous awards including the Grand Award for Digital Media Campaigns. Hart was named Outstanding Staff Member of the Year in 2022. She and her husband Matthew have three daughters, Nora (7), and twins Mamie Frances and Myla Wren (4). They are members of First Baptist Church of Brookhaven.

Special to Wesson News   Wesson’s Ricky and Jessica Breazeale (far left) join school advisory committee. The Brandon High School Business & Industry Advisory Committee has added representatives from a Wesson company to join its team of counselors. Grace Foam Solutions (GFS), a Wesson-based spray foam distribution and installation company, sent Ricky and Jessica Breazeale, two of its four owners, to the spring meeting of the committee on the invitation of the school’s  Family and Consumer Science Department.   Brandon High School has different areas of career and technical education (CTE) and seeks a diversity of professionals for an advisory group that guides its programs and students. “I was encouraged that there is a level of secondary school students interested in entering the trade field,” Ricky Breazeale said.  “In the last seven years, we’ve seen a sharp decline in skilled and qualified trade workers.  So I’m encouraged that Brandon High School is taking proactive measures to solve a problem.” Brent and Dr. Stephanie Duguid, the two other GFS owners, are currently working with Spray Foam Polyurethane Alliance (SPFA) to develop an approved curriculum based off the current professional standards to increase the opportunities for individuals interested in entering the spray foam industry.   The curriculum initiative is in the first stage of development, with a goal of utilizing the workforce programs at educational institutions across the nation in collaboration with approved spray foam companies in an apprenticeship program. The goal is for GFS to qualify interested parties to become licensed spray foam contractors. Brent Duguid was the former Dean of Career, Technical, and Workforce Education at Co-Lin, and Dr. Duguid served the college as Dean of Academic Instruction and Chief Academic Officer. Brandon High School’s Business & Industry Advisory Committee meets twice a year .  The committee helps the school maintain the highest industry standards for the CTE and Family and Consumer Science classes taught there.  "I’m honored we were asked to be part of this group,” said Breazeale.  “It shows so much promise.”

Special to Wesson News Photo credit: Danny Dickey Facebook post Wesson Presbyterian Church stands as one of the most historically significant landmarks in Copiah County, Mississippi. Established in 1871 by Captain William Oliver, the church was born out of the early industrial and civic life of Wesson. Captain Oliver, who managed the Mississippi Mills—the textile operation that transformed the town into a thriving center of manufacturing—was instrumental in founding the church to serve the spiritual needs of mill workers and their families. From the beginning, the church was not only a place of worship but also a gathering point for a growing and industrious community. The building itself is a prime example of Carpenter Gothic architecture, a style characterized by its wood-frame structure, steep gables, and pointed arch windows. These design elements, influenced by the larger Gothic Revival movement of the 19th century, gave rural American churches a sense of dignity and craftsmanship while remaining accessible and functional. The simplicity and symmetry of the church’s design reflect both the aesthetic tastes and practical sensibilities of the time. Despite the passage of more than 150 years, much of the original structure remains intact, bearing quiet witness to the town’s heritage. Over the decades, Wesson Presbyterian Church became deeply woven into the life of the town. Generations of families passed through its doors for Sunday worship, weddings, baptisms, and funerals. It stood through the economic rise and fall of the Mississippi Mills and continued to serve even as Wesson evolved into a quieter, more residential community. In recognition of its cultural and architectural importance, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 14, 2015. This formal designation marked an important step in preserving the structure and honoring its role in both local and state history. A major turning point in the church’s more recent story came in 2020, when George T. Mercier Jr.—a devoted elder and long-time clerk of the session—gifted the building to Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Mercier’s decision reflected a deep personal connection to the church and a desire to see its legacy live on through education and service. In conjunction with the gift, a memorial fund was established in honor of his late wife, Dorothy Ragland Mercier. The Dorothy Ragland Mercier Memorial Fund is administered through the Co-Lin Foundation, with contributions supporting the preservation and future use of the church building. Today, while the church no longer holds regular services, it remains a meaningful presence in Wesson. Its location near the heart of town and its connection to both spiritual and educational institutions make it a bridge between Wesson’s past and its future. Visitors can still admire the building’s architectural beauty and reflect on the role it played in shaping the lives of so many in the community. Wesson Presbyterian Church endures not only as a structure of wood and glass but as a living story of faith, generosity, and historical memory. From its founding days under Captain Oliver to its present stewardship under Co-Lin, the church continues to represent the values that built the town itself—faith, resilience, and a deep sense of place.

By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB After three weeks of domination by the Disney live-action remake “Lilo & Stitch,” it’s time for the top spot at the domestic box office to be taken over by the Dreamworks live-action remake “How to Train Your Dragon.” It feels like it’s too soon to do a remake of a movie from only 15 years ago (Disney has yet to do one from inside of 20 years), but the studio has to promote a new attraction at the Universal Orlando theme park. Movies are always a business, of course, but this one’s existence seemed to be especially motivated by money-grubbing. Fortunately, the quick turnaround means that some of the creative voices of the original, like writer/director Dean DeBlois (also a writer/director of the 2002 “Lilo & Stitch”) are still around to work on this movie, leading to much of the original’s charm being retained. The story remains the same: young Viking Hiccup (Mason Thames) desperately wants to impress his chief father, Stoick (Gerard Butler, also carrying over from the original), who seems to care more about killing dragons than his own son. Using a crude homemade weapon, Hiccup manages to hit a dreaded Night Fury, which crash-lands miles away. But nobody sees either the hit or the dragon, and Hiccup is regarded as a nuisance around his island homeland, including by his crush Astrid (Nico Parker). Hiccup is soon remanded to dragon-hunting training under family friend Gobber (Nick Frost). It looks like Hiccup will screw that up like he screws up everything else, when he discovers the Night Fury wounded on an uninhabited part of the island. He has the opportunity to finish off the dragon, but he just can’t kill the scared creature. Instead he befriends the dragon, which he names Toothless, in the process learning about dragons and how to train them for a mutually-beneficial relationship. This makes him a standout in his hunting class, and even his father starts showing him rare affection. There’s potential for him to graduate at the top of his class, which will earn him a ceremony where he “gets” to kill a dragon in front of his father and the whole tribe. The problem is that he no longer wants to kill dragons, knowing from Toothless that humans and dragons can co-exist. What can he do to make everybody happy? It worked to the film’s advantage that I’d forgotten a lot about the original since I last saw it. I remembered the broad strokes, obviously the dragon gets trained, but I mostly just remembered the original for being sweet, having a cool visual style, and most of the jokes landing, even if I forgot what most of those jokes were. The new film is sweet, it has a cool visual style (Toothless’s big green eyes are as adorable as ever), and most of the jokes land. “How to Train Your Dragon” isn’t immune to some of the problems that notoriously plague live-action remakes of animated films. Certain visual gags don’t work well without the fluid movements of animation. It can be distracting that much of the cast, especially the teenagers, are clearly kids raised in the modern era. And I had to grit my teeth while Stoick had to learn the same lessons about communication all over again. But the movie pulled itself up to a recommendation with its stunning visual style and undeniable heart. I don’t want Dreamworks to get too reliant on the live-action remake formula (and Disney is welcome to buck the trend whenever they want), but in this instance, they did it pretty well. Grade: B- “How to Train Your Dragon” is rated PG for sequences of intense action and peril. Its running time is 125 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

By Misty Strieff Prine “Life is not always fair. Sometimes you get a splinter sliding down a rainbow.” – Terri Guillemets Life is not always fair. You have amazing days where all is right in the world and then you have days where you want to hide from world and shut down completely. You can be living your best life on that rainbow and in a split second you can slip and be on your way to a hard landing in that valley below. On your way down, you’ll get a splinter on that rainbow that makes you ask, “Seriously? This would only happen to me.” Truth be told, it wouldn’t my friend. It happens more than you think to everybody. It’s kind of a wakeup call, if you will, that life has a way of reminding you that you’re getting a little too comfortable and you have to stay diligent and ready for anything to come at you. That’s life though. You have to stay prayed up and let God be your protector and your guide. Don’t get comfortable on those awesome days, y’all, because, quite simply, life happens, and it throws curveballs at you out of left field when you are totally not expecting them. Things can change in a split second…literally, when the words, “think fast” may not even be warning enough. Rest assured though, that splinter that you get on the slide down will serve as a humbling reminder that you are certainly not the one in control, but God is. It’s our job to take that splinter, learn from the pain and allow it to make us a better version of ourselves. Simple as that. Stay humble. Respect the splinter! It’s a really great reminder in case we lose our focus that we are never the “ones in control of our situation” and if think we are, that’s why we end up the way we end up because we aren’t relying on God to help guide us in our decision making. God is always in control but sometimes He allows “lessons” to happen to get our attention. We need to see that for what it is and humble ourselves before Him and turn back to Him. Maybe we are not living the way we should be living. We’ve strayed away. He’s there for us. He’s always been. Let Him be your driving force today. **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com That would definitely be wonderful, wouldn’t it? To have total amnesia regarding the awful things you have said or done in your past. To not remember the hurt you have caused, and the shame you have brought on yourself. If everyone had that rare ability to be totally honest about their life, you would find there is one thing that we all have in common.  We all have regrets about our past. And that is because we all have something else in common – we are human, and awfully self-centered and stupid. I have yet to find the person who looked me in the eye and said, “No, I’ve never said or done even one little thing that I regret. There has never been a night when I have lost five minutes of sleep, thinking and wishing I hadn’t done something at some point.” But if you are that one-in-a-jillion who actually can say that, then please, contact me on our website, I would absolutely love to talk with you. You would be the one person to prove the Bible to be wrong when it says, “All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;   no one does good, not even one.” You will find that verse in Romans 3:12, should you be interested. So. Who am I talking about when I say ‘Help me to forget what you can’t remember?”  And why should that phrase that became a song title even be important to you? Simple stuff. Here is why. There truly is a living God, with absolute authority and power over your life and mine. And He hates sin – the things that you and I do that brings on pain and shame. Your Creator has a memory that never fails – He never forgets what you and I have done. With one exception. He promises to forgive and forget the sin of the one who confesses being a sinner, and begs Him to help them be better. “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” You can find that  promise in Hebrews 8:12, should you be interested. Something else you need to know. God didn’t have  to forgive; He chose  to forgive. But He put this strict requirement on His forgiveness – you have to ask. But even if you took God at His word, that He would forgive you and promise to not remember your sins ever again, how would that help you to quit reliving those bad things in your life? To actually relax and finally feel good about yourself? Answer: You have to realize that certain part of your life is totally forgiven and forgotten -so why drag up non-existent garbage to torture yourself? And you probably will have to realize it over and over again, until you finally learn that God meant what He said. That His promise is true and real for you.

Recently, Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the completion of statewide Operation Safe Online Summer, which resulted in 11 arrests and one victim rescued. "Summer break is in full swing for many Mississippians, and our children are spending more time on screens," said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. "My office is working hard to protect our young people wherever they are – including online, but it is important for parents to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions to protect the kids they love. Together, we can make Mississippi a safer place for everyone." Mississippi's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force completed Operation Safe Online Summer which led to execution of 53 state and 3 federal search warrants, issuance of 28 state and 3 federal subpoenas, investigations of 33 citizen complaints and Cybertips, 11 arrests, and 1 child victim rescued from ongoing abuse. ICAC investigators examined more than 16 Terabytes of data, including 17 computers, 60 cell phones/tablets, and 16 pieces of other digital storage. The Attorney General's Office runs the state's ICAC Task Force, comprised of nearly 90 law enforcement agencies and 145 law enforcement personnel from across the state to address threats to Mississippi's children. In addition, during the operation, AGO and ICAC affiliates engaged in 12 community presentations and activities to raise awareness of online safety tips. Actively engaging in discussions about online safety with children at an early age and continuing the conversation over time can assist them as they learn to better navigate the online world. The following topics may assist families as they facilitate conversations about enhancing your child's cyber safety: Elementary School-Age Children: Review Digital Games, Apps, and Social Media Sites  before they are downloaded and pay close attention to apps and sites that utilize end-to-end encryption features, direct messaging options, video chats, file uploads, and user anonymity, which are often exploited by online child predators. Adjust Privacy Settings and Use Parental Controls  for online games, apps, social media sites, and electronic devices. Exercise additional caution if allowing access to gaming platforms, as they can expose children to cyberbullying, scams, predators, and inappropriate content. Supervise Young Children's Use of the Internet and Gaming Platforms , including checking their profiles and posts on a periodic basis. Store electronic devices in open areas of common use and consider implementing time limits for their use of the devices. Encourage Children to Tell a Parent, Guardian, or Other Trusted Adult  if anyone asks them to engage in inappropriate behavior. Middle School and High School-Age Children: Establish the Importance of Online Privacy  by emphasizing the dangers of sharing personal information, photos, and videos online, especially in public forums or with individuals they do not know in real life. Educate them on the permanency of posting images online, as they are accessible online permanently once posted. Teach Children About Body Safety and Boundaries , including the importance and use of saying 'no' to inappropriate requests in the physical and virtual world. Develop Healthy Skepticism  by emphasizing the ability to challenge the authenticity and intentions of what they see and read in online posts, messages, forums, and social media sites. Urge them to be wary of fake accounts that may pose as their peers and use fake, but convincing, photos and videos to share pictures and videos of themselves. Be Alert to Potential Signs of Abuse , including changes in children's demeanor, behavior, emotional state or warning signs of anxiety and depression, and any changes in their use of electronic devices or efforts to conceal online activity. Adolescents and Young Adults: Reinforce Strong Online Habits  including robust passwords, two-factor authentication, utilizing a password manager, and completing routine system updates on devices and operation systems. Build Upon Privacy Lessons  and emphasize how oversharing personal information on social media sites can lead to potential adverse effects. Avoid Dangerous Distractions  through the responsible use of devices while driving. Be Vigilant Against Scams  that are prevalent on advertisements which appear on shopping platforms, social media sites, and web browsers, and can lead to fraudulent sales of defective or counterfeit items or to non-delivery of items. Protecting Against Phishing  schemes in texts, emails, and social media posts where individuals are impersonating a trusted individual or organization and trick users into providing login credentials, sending money through CashApp, Zelle, or Venmo, or unknowingly installing malware on devices. In 2023, Attorney General Fitch launched  Be Aware Before You Share , a campaign to raise awareness of social media's dangerous impact on children's mental and physical wellbeing. You can find resources like the  Guide to Internet Safety for Parents  and  Safety Tips for Children  by visiting  AttorneyGeneralLynnFitch.com . If you have information about a child being sexually exploited online, please report it to 1-800-843-5678. You can also make a report online at  www.cybertipline.org . The hotline is manned by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and tips are reported to the Attorney General's Office.