Chronically Online: Understanding and supporting adolescents in today’s digital age

Conference Theme: Systemic Change

Session Description

When young people don’t see the need to access the internet carefully, they may experience harm or exploitation with lasting negative impacts. The presenters will discuss current apps and websites that youth are utilizing to connect online, as well as the impact of youth accessing pornography at formative ages. Creating space to talk about what they’re experiencing online is essential. The presenters will share tangible tips on how to support youth by engaging in open conversations about safe social media use and equip them with critical thinking skills to safely navigate the digital landscape.

Session Objectives

Participants will

1. Learn about popular apps and features that youth currently use
2. Recognize the role of online culture in youths’ daily lives
3. Identify how young people may experience exploitation online
4. Explore the impact of young people accessing pornography
5. Learn how you can facilitate conversations with youth about internet safety.

Presenter

Carly Hiti, Program to Aid Victims of Sexual Assault

Carly Hiti is the Criminal Justice Services Coordinator at the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) in Duluth, MN. In her current role, Carly provides supportive services to victim-survivors of sexual violence and sex trafficking, as well as assistance for advocates and professionals also working with victim-survivors within the criminal justice realm.

Carly also has experience providing care to youth involved in child protection matters, homeless, and runaway youth in a shelter setting. In her role, Carly frequently collaborates with prosecution, child protection, law enforcement, and corrections to support victim-survivors in a variety of settings. In addition to her role at PAVSA, Carly is a Community Trainer with the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy, where she provides education to social workers and case managers on working with sexually exploited youth. Additionally, Carly has earned certifications in Youth Mental Health First Aid and ChildFirst® Forensic Interviewing Protocol.

Andrea White, Victim Services in Dodge and Olmsted Counties

Andrea White is the Regional Navigator for Southeastern MN and is housed within the Victim Services in Dodge and Olmsted Counties. Previously, Andrea has worked in Social Services both in Children’s Mental Health Case Management and Child Welfare.

Additionally, Andrea has worked as an advocate in various sexual assault agencies across Minnesota since 2012. In Andrea’s previous position as Safe Harbor Supportive Services, she served clients who experienced or were at risk of exploitation and sex trafficking. In 2021, Andrea received the Rising Star Award from the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault in recognition of her contribution to the prevention of sexual violence throughout the state of Minnesota. Andrea has experience facilitating training across the state of Minnesota and nationally for providers and community members on Safe Harbor, sex trafficking, and exploitation, and is delighted to continue this work within her position as Regional Navigator.