VCSC Police Officer Joshua Shipman spent the last couple of weeks visiting classrooms to help students better understand the importance of staying safe in their everyday lives.
Officer Shipman met with students in Mr. Neeley’s and Mrs. Kelly’s classes, and discussed personal safety, digital safety, and health safety.
Each lesson was designed to give students practical tools they can use both now and in the future.
During the personal safety portion, students learned about identifying trusted adults.
Officer Shipman explained that trusted adults can include first responders, teachers, and other adults that parents or guardians have specifically identified as safe.
He also shared an important statistic: most predators meet a child at least once before attempting to cause harm, often working to create a false sense of trust.
The conversation emphasized the importance of awareness and speaking up if something does not feel right.
The discussion then shifted to digital safety.
Students learned why it is critical to never post personal information online, including birth dates, home addresses, or phone numbers.
Officer Shipman also explained common tactics scammers use to steal money or pressure individuals into sharing sensitive photos or information.
Officer Shipman shared one important reminder - what is shared online can remain there forever.
Students were introduced to a simple “two-prong test” before posting anything: Is it true? And is it nice?
If a post does not meet both standards, it should not be shared.
To wrap up the course, Officer Shipman addressed health safety, specifically the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and smoking.
As part of the lesson, students participated in a hands-on activity by wearing goggles that simulate the effects of alcohol impairment.
The activity allowed them to experience how alcohol can impact vision, balance, and coordination, reinforcing the message about making healthy choices.
Through these interactive and honest conversations, Officer Shipman helped equip students with knowledge and strategies to stay safe — at school, at home, and online.