Teens and Technology Abuse: How Do We Make Sure They’re Staying Safe?
Teens can become targets of technology abuse, so it’s important to know how you can support them.
Category: Youth & Education
Tech Safety – Protecting Yourself While Using Social Media
*In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month (the month of May), the following blog post explains how you can better protect your mental well-being and your personal safety while using social media. Social media has become one of the most widespread forms of communication, especially for younger generations who have grown up not just with computers but also with newer devices like smartphones. However, the ease…
TDVAM: Uplifting the Voices of Youth Changemakers
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and I have a lot of reflecting to do! I have been working with the Peers Against Violence Educators (PAVE) Club at Waltham High School for two years now, supporting them through challenging times, and creating a space for fruitful conversation and education. While they have learned so much about dating violence, consent, boundaries and much more, so…
Four Things You Should Know About Massachusetts’ New Coercive Control Law
On June 20, 2024, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed into law Bill H.4744, also known as ‘An Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation.’ The primary goal of the bill is to expand protection capabilities for survivors of abuse by classifying coercive control and digital exploitation as forms of domestic violence. However, there are several other components of the bill which are also worth mentioning, and which…
Tech Safety: How to Clear Your Web Browser History
By now, it seems safe to assume that most people know what the internet is and even use it on a frequent basis. In many cases the internet has already become a major part of how people perform their jobs, keep in touch with friends and loved ones, or simply spend their free time. The internet can be quite handy for things like conducting research, managing…
Gratitude for Kathy Brophy’s Impact on REACH
*Written by Molly Pistrang-Gomes, a former Youth Education Program Manager at REACH What does it mean to belong to myself and live a life that brings me joy? Last month, I had the honor to speak at Kathy Brophy’s retirement party on behalf of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. Kathy is an educator for the Wellesley Public Schools who has worked with REACH over the span of…
Tech Safety: General Tips for Being Safe Online
Whether for work, personal use, or both, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, helping us plan our day, access information, or simply keep in touch with those we care about. However, technology is also another tool domestic abusers, stalkers, and other dangerous individuals can use to perpetuate their crimes, especially in situations where the person they’re abusing and/or harassing isn’t as technologically…
Why comprehensive, medically accurate, and LGBTQ+ inclusive sex ed matters to me
Incorporating comprehensive sex education, like the Healthy Youth Act is proposing to ensure, would have many benefits; I want to share three benefits that feel especially meaningful to me.
Reflections on Community
In January, PAVE (Peers Against Violence Educators) officers facilitated a virtual two-day Winter Training for our newest members.
Voices of PAVE
Written by Molly Pistrang (REACH’s Youth Education Specialist) with Nicole Jacobs Marques, Joe Zeitouny, Carmen Serrato, Anna Kraffmiller, Lila Campbell, Xavier Quintanilla Our Youth Education work primarily takes place in schools. On March 12, the unexpected last day of school for the year in Waltham, I was at Waltham High School. That morning, I co-facilitated a training on trauma for an anatomy and physiology class alongside…
