We Are
Cyber Shield.
Mission Statement
At Cyber Shield Group, we stand united in our fight against the insidious threat of online grooming. We believe in a world where every individual, regardless of age or background, can navigate the digital realm without fear of exploitation or harm. Our mission is driven by the following core principles that guide our efforts to combat online grooming:
[1] Awareness:
The first step to taking cautions about potential harms in the online society is to raise awareness. Prior to educating individuals and young adults that are oblivious of such imminent threats, it is vital to put such notions into their peripheral knowledge. Only then will precautions be kept for such individuals to be on the lookout.By shining a light on this issue, we empower individuals with the knowledge and understanding needed to identify potential risks, recognize grooming behaviors, and take proactive measures to protect themselves and others.
[3] Protection:
We fight for the protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly children and young adults, who are at a higher risk of falling victim to online grooming. However, there are still plenty of cases where such individuals weren’t properly informed or educated, and contacts such organizations like Cyber Shield too late. Then, our mission is to provide as much protection and a safety net for the victims that are in the process. Mostly new to the experience, victims are in need of guidance and mental help through such horrific incidents.
[2] Education:
After awareness is raised within the online community, the next appropriate step would be to empower potential victims with facts and steps to remove themselves from such situations. Through research, film, and design, we seek to create voice, platforms, and educational resources that empower individuals to stay safe in the digital world.
[4] Advocacy:
We fight for collaboration among individuals and organizations to combat online grooming collectively. These problems will persist to arise as long as the laws and societal perspective seek no change. Thus, by advocating for stronger policies, laws, and technological advancements, we strive to create an environment that actively discourages grooming and ensures that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Members
President
Yebin Sim
I am Yebin Sim, a passionate artist from Seoul, Korea, and a rising senior at The Hill School in Pennsylvania. Through my experiences and observations of Korean society, I have become aware of the unjust tendency to blame female victims in sexual crime cases. This distressing reality has sparked a deep interest in me to foster a better understanding and awareness of these issues. As a normal teenage girl and the President of Cyber Shield, my mission is to protect children and adolescents from online harms and threats. The Cyber Shield team aims to raise awareness about the dangers of online grooming, enlighten people about its seriousness, and empower them with the necessary knowledge on how to prevent such incidents from occurring. Through our education and advocacy, we hope to bring about positive change and contribute to a world where society stands against any form of victim-blaming in safer cyberspace.
Vice President
Joon Park
I’m Joon Park, a rising senior and avid sports enthusiast from New Jersey, USA, attending Blair Academy. With a deep-rooted passion for technology and its impact on society, I developed a profound interest in online safety and combatting the pervasive issue of online grooming. This idea began from cautions and worries of the rising impact of social media and the internet within. But mostly, this fascination was sparked by personal encounters with the effects of online grooming among peers and witnessing the vulnerabilities of individuals in the digital world. Driven by a compassionate heart and a commitment to making a difference, I actively participate in the research group Cyber Shield, where we are dedicated to advocating for awareness and education, striving to create a safer and more secure online environment for us all.
Member
Danika Koo
I am Danika Koo, currently a year 10 student attending Cheltenham Ladies College, situated in England. Throughout my years at boarding school, it has come to my attention of the potential threats and exploitation disguised within the online platforms in which adolescents, such as myself, utilize on a daily basis. I am aware of the fact that especially in the world today, where technology takes drastic advances, so do the likely dangers posed through the infinite amount of online platforms we are relentlessly immersed in. Having experienced a boarding life alongside girls, I have come to witness the devastating effects that these threats can have on young lives, and on females, in particular. This reality has sparked a growing passion in me, as I felt compelled to take action and make a definite impact on the deceiving society today. As a member of a dedicated team, my goal is to shield children and adolescents from the constant lurking menaces online, focusing particularly on the issue of online grooming. Our Cyber Shield team aims to not only to raise awareness as well as educate people regarding this matter, but also to equip them with the essential knowledge and tools in order to help prevent such occurrences from happening. Through our commitment and dedication, we strive to play a role in making a positive impact on society, and to ultimately contribute in creating an increasingly secure and supportive online environment for adolescents and children.
