School resource officers are keeping young learners and educators safe during the school day. But these accessible officers serve more purpose to the students and teachers than stepping in during a time of chaos. These resource officers know the day-to-day interactions and emotions of the students they are around every day, making relationships and knowing when a student is having an off day.

Kirsten Beaman is a resource officer at Taylorville Junior High School and has enjoyed making connections with the students and staff.

Officer Beaman offers some advice relating to social media. Beaman notes, recent posts are able to give away more information than meets the eye. Oversharing information about a child or that child posting themselves could expose them to eyes that may be unwanted. Beaman urges caution while posting as students enter back into school.

Irresponsible social media usage has extended to bullying and even harassment in schools. Beaman explains that this torment follows students out of the school, noting that you never know what someone is going through at home.

August 16th is the first day back to school for students. Beaman reminds parents and guardians to be aware of social media posting and that their own children's posting can have effects on other people.

Officer Beaman appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.