COLUMBIA, PA — In response to the increasing risks children face in the digital world, Columbia Borough School District (CBSD) is inviting members of our community to attend “Keep Our Children Safe: The Dangers of Online Platforms, Messaging Apps, & Social Media.” The event will take place Friday, February 13, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Columbia High School/Middle School Hill Campus Auditorium.
The program will feature two prominent speakers:
FBI Special Agent Geoffrey Ford, who specializes in cybercrimes affecting youth, including online grooming, sextortion, and trafficking recruitment. Ford brings years of experience investigating digital threats and educating communities on how predators exploit technology.
Tricia Maciejewski, President of the Live Like Levi Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Maciejewski became an advocate after losing her son, Levi, to suicide, and she now works to equip families and educators with tools to recognize warning signs and support young people.
Organizers say the session aims to give adults—not students—a frank, practical look at the challenges young people face in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Wide-Ranging Topics
The event will cover some of the most pressing issues confronting families today, including:
Mental Health & Social Media: How constant online engagement can affect young minds and contribute to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Online Dangers: Cyberbullying, grooming, sextortion, extremist recruitment, and exposure to fentanyl through digital networks.
Artificial Intelligence Risks: An introduction to how deepfakes, voice spoofing, and AI-driven manipulation are changing the landscape of online interactions.
Building Well-Being & Resilience: Science-based tools to help students thrive emotionally in a digital world.
Spotting Warning Signs: Recognizing red flags that might indicate exploitation, emotional distress, or hidden online activity.
Tools for Families & Educators: Practical strategies and resources to help protect young people both online and offline.
Adults in the community are encouraged to attend, and free tickets are available here or by scanning the QR code on the event flyer.
School leaders say the goal is to empower families and educators with the knowledge they need to help children navigate an increasingly complex online world. “Our kids are growing up in a digital landscape that changes every day,” the district noted. “We’re committed to giving our community the tools to keep them safe.”