More Than 2,400 Local Students Get a Lesson in Online Safety

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Kane County Judge Sandra Parga and St. Charles Mayor Clint Hull recently teamed up to present an internet safety program to more than 2,400 students at Wredling and Thompson middle schools, both in St. Charles.

The hour-long presentation, called “Worries of the World Wide Web,” was originally developed by then-Judge Hull and Kane County Judge Susan Clancy Boyle after local teachers raised concerns about students being harmed by online behavior. The program addresses issues including cyberbullying, electronic harassment and sexting, along with their potential legal and social consequences.

The program encourages young people to think carefully about their online behavior, understand the potential consequences of their digital choices and recognize that what happens online can have lasting real-world effects.

A central message of the presentation is that once someone sends a text, photo or social media post, they lose control over where that content goes. What may seem private can quickly be forwarded, shared or made public.

“The 16th Judicial Circuit is so grateful to District 303 for welcoming us into their schools annually and partnering with us to keep our kids safe and informed,” said Kane County Judge Sandra Parga.

“As Mayor of St. Charles, I always love teaming up with the judiciary and school district to talk to our middle school students. Our goal is to work with the schools to make sure our kids have the information they need to make good decisions. A big thank you to District 303 for inviting us back each year,” said Mayor Clint Hull.

The program has grown beyond its local beginnings. In 2016-17, the Illinois Judges Association (IJA) expanded “Worries of the World Wide Web” statewide. The presentation was updated in 2022, and organizers are now pleased to bring the program to other states.

To learn more about the program, visit the Illinois Judges Association website.