What You Don't Know, and Why You Should
HUDSON POLICE DEPARTMENT HOSTS “WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW AND WHY YOU SHOULD”
The Hudson Police Department hosted an insightful presentation on February 25 titled "What You Don’t Know and Why You Should," addressing crucial issues affecting today’s youth, including substance abuse, peer pressure, sextortion, and digital safety. Key takeaways from the presentation include:
Peer Pressure & Risk Factors
Peer pressure remains a major contributor to adolescent drug use, as teens often feel compelled to fit in. HPD emphasized the importance of countering this pressure through building self-esteem, teaching assertiveness, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication between parents and children.
Substance Awareness & Prevention
Vaping: Many teens are using nicotine and THC vape products, often disguised with scents and flavors. Lab-grown marijuana, containing over 90% pure THC, poses significant risks to developing brains as we do not yet know the impact it will have down the road.
Alcohol & Prescription Drugs: 23% of teens admit to taking prescription drugs not prescribed to them, with 47% stating they can easily access them from a parent’s medicine cabinet.
Drug Accessibility: While teens are often reluctant to disclose their sources, local college campuses such as Kent and Akron remain common supply points.
Early Conversations Matter: HPD recommends discussing drug and vaping dangers as early as elementary school, with car rides being an effective setting for these conversations.
Digital Awareness & Online Safety
HPD’s Digital Forensic Detective highlighted the necessity of early education on internet safety and digital footprints. Parents should establish clear online boundaries and expectations. Platforms discussed included:
Snapchat: Messages disappear, but hidden media can still be stored.
Discord, Kik, and Wizz: Anonymous apps with minimal parental controls.
Google Docs: Used creatively by teens as a chatroom alternative.
Instagram: Frequently linked to sextortion cases.
Hudson Case Trends: Sextortion, Cyberbullying & Child Sexual Exploitation
Sextortion is an increasing concern in Hudson, with cases often beginning on social media and gaming platforms before transitioning to private text apps. Perpetrators groom victims by requesting explicit images, then resorting to threats and blackmail. Notably, all known suspects in Hudson cases have been international, making prosecution challenging.
What to Do If You’re Being Sextorted
Inform a trusted adult immediately.
Cease all communication with the perpetrator. Deactivating accounts is more effective than blocking.
Preserve evidence by taking screenshots of messages, usernames, and images.
Seek support from law enforcement and organizations like TAKE IT DOWN, which assists in removing explicit content.
Communication is Key
The presentation reinforced the importance of open dialogue between parents and children in preventing dangerous situations. The Hudson Police Department urges families to continue these critical conversations and remain vigilant in protecting youth from emerging threats.
