Category: Safe Communities Corner

AI Is Smart — We Need to Be Smarter: Helping Kids Stay Safe With Critical ThinkingArtificial intelligence is becoming a part of everyday life for young people—whether through chatbots, virtual companions, homework help, or social apps using AI behind the scenes. And while AI can be incredibly useful, it also comes with risks when kids begin trusting it too much, too quickly, or without the skills to think critically about what it produces.The Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge & Webster County is raising awareness about these risks and helping families understand how to keep children safe in an AI-driven…

AI: The Danger of Blurring the Lines Between Reality and Illusion Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. For children and teens, it can feel almost magical — a tool that listens, talks back, and seems to understand. But when AI begins to fill emotional or social roles once reserved for real human connection, the line between technology and friendship can become dangerously blurred. Chatbot: Our Children’s “Frenemy” AI chatbots are here to stay. When used responsibly, they can be helpful tools for learning, creativity, and even emotional support. However, when children begin turning to these…

Getting the Facts About Identity Theft: The Importance of Strong Passwords In today’s connected world, passwords are often the only thing standing between a hacker and your most personal information. Unfortunately, millions of passwords end up on the dark web every year — and many can be cracked in a matter of minutes. A study from Kaspersky examining 193 million leaked passwords revealed some startling truths: 45% of passwords can be cracked in less than one minute using modern tools and algorithms. Another 25% can be broken in under an hour. Only a small fraction — those that are long,…

Understanding Identity Theft: How Scammers Target Different Age Groups Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. The local banks, law enforcement, and the Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge and Webster County are raising awareness about how scammers gain access to personal information—and how those tactics can vary depending on your age group. According to the FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, fraudsters use a range of contact methods to deceive victims, including phone calls, emails, text messages, and even social media. A closer look at the data shows clear…

Protecting Our Community from Identity Theft Identity theft can happen to anyone, and it takes many forms. Local banks, law-enforcement agencies and community partners have teamed up to shine a light on this important issue, providing the tools and resources our community needs to stay safe. According to IDStrong.com, the most common types of fraud include: Credit Card Fraud (30%) Bank Fraud (20%) Other Identity Theft (19%) Employment or Tax-Related Fraud (10%) Loan or Lease Fraud (8%) Phone or Utilities Fraud (8%) Government Documents or Benefits Fraud (5%) These numbers show just how widespread the problem really is—and why education and…

September is Suicide Prevention Month: 988 Saves Lives Each September, Suicide Prevention Month reminds us of the importance of awareness, compassion, and action. One of the most powerful tools available in the fight against suicide is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—a simple, three-digit number that can connect someone in crisis with immediate help and support. Why 988 Matters Despite its life-saving potential, research shows that 3 in 4 Americans don’t know what the 988 hotline is. This lack of awareness is concerning, especially when we look at how effective the hotline has been: 988 receives nearly 600,000 contacts per…

September is Suicide Prevention Month: What to do if you See the Warning Signs Every September, communities across the nation observe Suicide Prevention Month—a time to shed light on a topic that is often kept in the shadows. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it is also one of the most preventable. By learning the warning signs and how to respond, we can each play an important role in saving lives. Why Suicide Prevention Matters According to the CDC, nearly 50,000 people die by suicide each year in the U.S. Suicide is…

September is Suicide Prevention Month: Know the Warning SignsEvery September, communities across the country come together to raise awareness for suicide prevention. It’s a time to learn, share, and take action to save lives. Suicide is preventable, and one of the most powerful steps we can take is to recognize the warning signs and reach out to those in need.Research shows that 80.6% of adolescents who died by suicide exhibited one or more warning signs prior to their death. By paying attention to shifts in verbal cues, behaviors, and emotions, we can offer support early and potentially prevent a tragedy.Verbal…

September is Suicide Prevention Month: The Hidden Link Between Sleep and Suicide Risk September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time to bring awareness, share resources, and support those who may be struggling. While most people know that good sleep is important for physical health, fewer realize just how deeply it affects mental health and suicide risk—especially among adolescents. The Role of Sleep in Mental Health Sleep isn’t just “rest.” It’s when the brain processes emotions, restores energy, and resets the systems that help us cope with stress. When sleep is disrupted—whether through insomnia, frequent nightmares, or simply not getting enough…

September is Suicide Prevention Month: Knowledge Can Save LivesEvery September, communities across the nation come together to recognize Suicide Prevention Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and sharing life-saving resources.Sadly, suicide impacts far too many families. Studies show that nearly half of the American adult population has been affected by suicide in some way—whether through personal struggles with severe depression and suicidal thoughts, or by knowing someone who has tragically died by suicide.The Local Picture: Webster CountyIn Webster County, the impact is especially concerning. Over the past five years, deaths by suicide have steadily increased. Local data…