The internet has opened doors for many people, both good and bad, and the ever-growing world of social media allows people to connect with others like never before. Most students have some sort of cellular phone or other device that they use regularly to chat with friends, share photos, or let the world know what they think or how they feel. Unfortunately, many of them do not realize that private isn’t always exactly that.

For the month of December, Steps to HOPE placed bulletin boards at Polk County High School, Polk County Middle School, and Landrum Middle School encouraging students to think about what they share on popular apps such as SnapChat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and in text messages.

Steps to HOPE places a bulletin board in each school every month of the school year as a community outreach project and to encourage healthy relationships in the lives of students. The goal is to provide a positive message to students (and faculty) and to give contact information for anyone who might need services.

Steps to HOPE is the domestic violence and sexual assault treatment and prevention center located in Columbus serving Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. If you or someone you know is being abused, or if you wish to sponsor programs like this, please call 828-894-2340.

– submitted by Paula Childers