Premier Meets Online Safety Advocates
Premier David Burt recently met with US online safety advocates Stephen and Joanne Bogard – who lost their 15-year-old son in an incident linked to a dangerous social media trend — to discuss protecting young people from online risks and strengthening awareness, education and digital safeguards in Bermuda.
A Government spokesperson said, “In early June, Premier David Burt met with US based online safety advocate Joanne Bogard and her husband, Stephen Bogard, at the Cabinet Office.
Joseph and Erin Popolo, Premier David Burt, Joann Bogard and Steve Bogard
“Mrs. Bogard, who is based in Indiana, has dedicated her life to advocating for stronger protections for young people online following the loss of her 15 year old son, Mason, in an incident linked to a dangerous social media trend. Their meeting focused on the risks young people face in digital spaces and the need for greater awareness, education, and safeguards. Premier Burt thanked Mrs. Bogard for meeting with him and for sharing her experience.”
The Premier said, “No parent should have to endure the loss of a child. Mason’s story reminds us of the risks that exist online and the collective responsibility that we all share to do more to protect our young people as a community. I am grateful to Mrs. Bogard for her willingness to speak out and for taking the time to meet.”
The spokesperson said, “The discussion builds on the Government’s ongoing focus on youth mental health and online safety, including last year’s Chat & Chew session, which highlighted the risks social media poses to children.
“Mrs. Bogard thanked the Premier for the opportunity to meet and for his engagement on the issue. The Government continues its work to support safer digital environments for Bermuda’s young people.”
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