Stow Police Department, Randall Public LibraryHost Talk on Cyberbullying and Sextortion – What Parents Can do to Help

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the number of cases involving children and teens being threatened and coerced into sending explicit images online — a crime called sextortion has seen a considerable increase. What can parents do to protect their children from this type of crime and the potential for dramatic outcomes?

Tamia and Timothy Woods of the Do It For James Foundation in Ohio will give a presentation next month to parents and children, encouraging communication and warning others about cyberbullying. The event is being organized by Police Chief Michael Sallese and Randall Library Director Tina McAndrew.

The public event is scheduled for Monday, Apr. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Hale Middle School Auditorium, 55 Hartley Road.

“I saw this couple present at the International Association of Police Chiefs conference last year and felt it would be valuable to offer this kind of information about an otherwise rarely discussed topic to our residents, especially to parents of teenagers,” Chief Sallese said.

The Foundation was established by the parents of James Timothy Woods, who made the decision to take his own life at the age of 17 after becoming the victim of sextortion and cyberbullying. Following the death of their son, parents Tamia and Tim Woods took action to make sure no other parent felt the same pain. According to the foundation’s website, they went to speak of James’ truth and to warn other children about sextortion. The goal was also to help guide them into knowing that their lives are worth living and that no problem is too big.

Tamia and Tim began working with their local Streetsboro Police Department, the Streetsboro City Schools Superintendent, Streetsboro High School, and many news outlets to tell James’ story and warn parents about this invisible evil.

*Due to the subject matter, the organizers caution that the talk features mature topics, including suicide, coercion, and guns. While this is intended for people of all ages, children are encouraged to join, and parental discretion is advised.