Parents, students talk about dangers of social media in Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – On Tuesday night, parents, teachers and students met at Myrtle Beach Middle School to talk about the dangers of social media.

This comes after dozens, if not hundreds, of social media threats this week targeted schools in our area and around the country.

Jim Creel Jr., who has daughters at Myrtle Beach Middle School and Myrtle Beach High School, attended the Social Media Awareness Seminar.

“Kids are using technology, it’s becoming a way of life,” said Creel. “As a parent, I can’t abstain and say ‘I’m out. It doesn’t matter.’ It’s vital to be a part of the kid’s lives.”

Myrtle Beach Police Detective, Tiffany Whitmire spoke at the seminar and addressed the consequences of cyberbullying and how to talk with kids about what’s not appropriate to put online.

“To bring awareness to the parents on what they need to be doing to interact with their kids and be up to date on what their kids are doing,” said Whitmire. “And for the kids to get info on how serious things can become when they’re on the internet and doing things with social media.”

Justine Schwindel, Social Media Manager at The Brandon Agency, was another speaker. She broke down the different social media outlets and how much time kids typically spend online.

She explained why these conversations are so important to have, especially in the current climate.

“It’s is very relevant right now especially with everything going on recently,” said Schwindel. “As big as everything that went on last week [in Florida].”

Creel said he will continue to have conversations with his daughters about the benefits and dangers of social media.

“It’s vital as a parent to be a part of that,” he added. “Communication and being willing and able to talk to your kids about sometimes tough things.”

Breaking down some of the topics

Social Media: The Good