Cyberbullying. Sextortion. Online predators.
These aren’t just distant headlines; they’re real risks impacting students in every community, including ours. In recent years, studies have shown the growing dangers the online world can have on children, leading the U.S. Surgeon General in 2023 to release a warning about teens on social media.
46% of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online
16% of teens ages 13–17 report experiencing some form of online sexual abuse, including image-based abuse and nonconsensual sexting
45% say social media hurts their sleep, and 40% say it hurts their productivity
Teen girls are especially affected—1 in 4 say social media negatively impacts their mental health
These statistics are alarming, but they’re also a call to action. Our students need support, boundaries, and trusted adults who understand what they’re up against.
“As a district, we believe in empowering our families with the same urgency and care that we provide inside our classrooms,” said Superintendent Dr. Mikkel Storaasli. “This work reflects our Portrait of a Learner, helping students become principled and resilient in both their online and offline lives. We are proud to partner with parents by bringing in Jesse Weinberger in this important effort to protect and support our learners.”
Event Details
Grayslake District 127 is hosting two Internet Safety for Parents sessions with nationally recognized cyber safety expert Jesse Weinberger, open to all community parents:
Grayslake Central: Monday, August 25 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm | Theatre
Grayslake North: Tuesday, August 26 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Fieldhouse
No RSVP required.
Adults only. Children will not be permitted due to the sensitive nature of the conversation.
Who Should Attend?
This seminar is open to all parents and guardians regardless of your child’s age or school. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, the topics discussed will be timely and relevant. Adults only.
You’re welcome to attend either session.
Just note that part of the presentation will feature anonymously collected student responses from the school. For example:
Central student data will be shared at the Central event (Aug. 25)
North student data will be shared at the North event (Aug. 26)
Preview the Presentations:
During the school day, students will attend a special assembly, based on grade level, where Jesse Weinberger will deliver a student-focused digital safety presentation. Students will learn how online behavior impacts safety, privacy, and mental health, and ways they can make smart and safe choices online.
Then at the family seminar events, families will hear her no-nonsense presentation style, she will share insights about the dangers that persist on internet apps and platforms, as well as immediate strategies for protecting children and setting digital boundaries.
A previous attendee shared with us: “Jesse Weinberger’s presentation was truly eye-opening. I had no idea how dangerous so many popular platforms were for my kids. Her talk didn’t just change how I approach parenting around technology; it changed how I interact online myself.”
She went on to say, “Because of what I learned, I feel more confident coaching my children to have a safer, more positive experience online. It’s been years since I attended, and I still think about her message regularly. I’m so grateful for the awareness and practical tools she gave us as parents. I highly encourage every parent to attend.”
About Jesse Weinberger
Jesse Weinberger is a nationally respected internet safety speaker, TEDx presenter, and author of The Boogeyman Exists: And He’s in Your Child’s Back Pocket. Known for her direct, no-nonsense style, Jesse has worked with over 1,000 schools, law enforcement groups, and parent organizations to build awareness and action.