Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Cyber Dangers

It's a fast-moving world out there and nowhere are things moving faster than in the technology arena.

Sometimes it seems that the younger generation has the hang of this technology at a level beyond many parents -- and its true in some ways.

But some things never change.

Teenagers continue to minimize risk. It's not their fault. Their brains are wired that way, according to the latest studies.

So while they may thing they know everything there is to know about cuber-space, they may not know the power and potentially lasting harm of the things they do on the Internet.

But parents can get a leg up on these potential risks thanks to a program being offered by the Pottsgrove School District.

A "Community Connection Meetings," the first on Tuesday, Jan. 21 will deal with two very difficult problems made possible by Internet and specifically mobile technology: Cyber-bullying and "sexting," the practice of sharing nude or partially nude photos of oneself or others over the 'net.

The 90-minute program, which takes place at Ringing Rocks Elementary School and begins at 7 p.m., will be run by the Montgomery County Detectives bureau.

In addition to advice to parents on prevention, it will also cover issues facing specific issues facing the Pottsgrove community and its youth, specifically.

The Montgomery County bullying/cyber bullying manual will also be available.

The program is free.

A subsequent Community Connections meeting, scheduled for April 29 will also feature the Montgomery County Detectives as well as the district attorney's office, but in this case, the workshop will deal with identifying illegal drugs.

It will take place at Pottsgrove High School.

Assistant District Attorney Jason Whalley and a detective from the narcotics squad will address illegal drug trends observed in the community and signs to look for drug abuse in your child.

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