In this episode of Secured, host Mike Matranga welcomes Lori Downs, Director of Pupil Services, and Chele Gillon, School Social Worker, from the Barron Area School District in Kentucky to discuss a critical and often overlooked issue—how digital behavior is fueling real-world challenges in schools.
Downs and Gillon reveal that nearly all the behavioral concerns they manage—about 98%—are rooted in technology. The problems don’t start in the classroom; they start online, with subtle social media posts, cryptic lyrics, or vague emotional warnings. These signs, known as leakage, are often missed because they don’t resemble the direct threats people expect.
The conversation emphasizes that schools must shift from reactive security to proactive wellness. It’s not just about looking for explicit threats—it’s about recognizing when a student is quietly struggling with anxiety, isolation, or thoughts of self-harm. Often, these students aren’t looking to hurt others—they’re signaling distress.
Matranga and his guests stress the importance of empowering staff, students, and parents to notice the signs, ask tough questions, and foster trust. A simple, sincere “Are you okay?” can open doors to life-saving conversations. They also urge parents to stay actively involved in their children’s digital lives, as schools can’t and shouldn’t be expected to do it all.
This episode is a call to see cybersecurity not just as a technical challenge—but a deeply human one.
