Anderson University Students Equip Local Families With Internet Safety Skills

Psychology students partner with Marvelous Monday to help children, teens, and parents navigate online risks.

ANDERSON, Ind. — This spring, students and faculty from Anderson University’s psychology program partnered with Marvelous Monday to provide a workshop for school-age families about internet safety skills.

Marvelous Monday is an after-school program at Sherman Street Church of God that serves low-income kindergarten through high school students. Run by Benita Holbert, it aims to equip families to create safe environments where children experience love and acceptance.

Lee Griffith, professor of psychology, and his team of AU students have partnered with Holbert at several events.

Anderson students serve the program as interpersonal trainers. They facilitate life skills and social-emotional learning workshops, community programming, AU campus visits, and family engagement.

Interpersonal trainers are students who have taken AU’s interpersonal relationships and practicum in group leadership classes. 

One event included teaching students how to say “no” to drugs and communicate safely with parents or trusted adults if offered a substance. Others focus on providing communication tools for families and life skills such as self-regulation, emotion charades, deep breathing, and positive self-talk.

“Every time the AU students come to Marvelous Monday, they sit right down with the kids to eat dinner and build meaningful bonds of friendship and mentorship,” Holbert said.

Introducing children and youth to Anderson University students shows them that college is a real and attainable option for their futures.

“By spending time with well-prepared university students who model positive behavior, leadership, and organization, the kids gain inspiring mentors and valuable examples of young adulthood,” Holbert said.

Following the Hailey Buzbee tragedy, Holbert asked Griffith if the students could organize a social media safety event. 

Many of the Interpersonal trainers are also double majors in youth leadership. At the time, they were taking the Youth Leadership Internship class.

“I approached the Youth Leadership class and asked them if they could help prevent another tragedy like Hailey Buzbee. And would they be willing to spend the time to do so,” Griffith said. “They eagerly agreed.”

The event, which was open to all of Madison County, hosted three programs.

Hailey Kirkpatrick, assisted by Sydney Cooper, led a session for parents and adults. The session focused on the apps their children use and how to set protections on them.

Steve Estes, assisted by Isaiah Wray and Lawrence Hejnal, led the session for young men and boys. The focus was helping them understand the harmfulness of manipulation and the importance of treating women with respect. 

Similarly, Kelise Marker and Kendal May led a session for young women and girls. They shared their own experiences and discussed the dangers of communicating online with strangers.

In addition, the internet safety workshop focused on showing kids how to navigate social media and video games securely. It also equipped them with awareness of online vulnerabilities and how to talk with adults about these issues.

“The response of the Sherman Street Church was overwhelmingly positive,” Griffith said. “The Anderson University trainers are always grateful to coordinate with the people of the Sherman Street Church in their important ministry.”

About Anderson University

Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, social work, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.