Kids being back in school full-time again in 2021 should bring back the challenges school officials face regarding social media.

Clinton Police Department School Resource Officer Mike Bennett says issues stemming from social media occur on almost an everyday basis and they can begin to surface as early as fourth or fifth grade.

For parents that are contemplating a phone for their children as they enter an independent time in their lives, Officer Bennett says the key is to monitor and be aware of what your children are doing on these devices.

Officer Bennett indicates they are communicating with the kids of the district about how to behave online and how to handle situations of harassment and bullying. He says the advice isn't always what the kids want to hear but it is sometimes necessary.