Episode 4: Being Vigilant About Online Dangers
In this episode of Cross-Examination, hosts Ted Asregadoo and Brian Feinberg explore the increasingly addictive and sometimes dangerous world of apps, games, and internet sites. Contra Costa District Attorney Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe joins Ted and Brian as a guest in the discussion. Inspector Holcombe works primarily in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program and has years of experience combatting online crimes where the victims are young children and teens.
As the internet, apps, and games evolve, so do the risks it presents—especially for children. Darryl shares his expertise on how predators exploit trust and technology to groom victims, highlights the dangers of sexting and sharing private information, and talks about the disturbing reality behind what’s often mislabeled as “child pornography.” He also sheds light on the prevalence of cyberbullying and how ICAC’s work in prevention and education is vital for keeping children safe in digital spaces.
Listeners will also hear about the Vigilant Parent Initiative, a program at the District Attorney’s Office designed to empower parents with tools and knowledge to protect their children online. As part of being a vigilant parent, Ted mentions the powerful short video Sharable?, a poignant depiction of the dangers lurking in seemingly harmless online interactions. The video was produced by Kripos, the Norwegian National Criminal Investigation Service, and it’s a powerful dramatization of the consequences of image sharing.
Tune in for essential tips, eye-opening insights, and practical strategies for staying safe and vigilant in today’s digital age. To learn more, visit the Vigilant Parent Initiative page at contracostada.org, where you’ll find additional resources and information on scheduling a presentation.
Also mentioned in this episode is author Jonathan Haidt, whose book The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure, notes a study by Meta on Instagram usage among teenage girls that can lead to an uptick in mental health issues.
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