Standing, from left, Josue Ferrol conducting the workshop on the dangers of the Internet, with Valda Woodley-Hazel alongside Shanna Mercera of the St. Eustatius Public Health Department.
ST. EUSTATIUS--St. Eustatius Public Health Department hosted a two-hour interactive workshop on the dangers of the Internet and social media Saturday evening at the Golden Era Hotel’s conference room.
Workshop facilitators Josue Ferrol and Valda Woodley-Hazel travelled from St. Maarten to Statia to conduct the event for sixth grade pupils and their teachers of primary schools.
STI/AIDS Coordinator Shanna Mercera said the Internet can be very informative but can also be a “confusing and very dangerous place” for the island’s youth.
“Without having accurate knowledge of the dangers that are lurking on the Internet many of our youth can fall into the danger zones of pornography, predators and other Internet dangers,” Mercera said.
“With such free access to the Internet here on St. Eustatius, many can use it as an opportunity to take advantage of our youth, which can lead to rape and sexual abuse,” she said. That is why the Public Health Department hosted the workshop.
