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.

On Stalking and Cyber-Bullying

The YWCA's Girl Talk series will hold a session on Cyber-Bullying
and Cyber-Stalking on Saturday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

We've all done it -- the cyber-smack down.

In my case, it's often because someone has posted something on the Internet which I find so loathsome, ignorant, or just plain wrong that I unleash a quickly assembled shower of facts designed to "put them in their place."


It's not my most attractive characteristic, although I suppose some might find it entertaining to watch.

I try not to do it too often. I try to be polite. I do not always succeed.

After all, despite my best efforts I suppose I am a semi-public figure in this town and should probably "be the change I want to see in (Pottstown)," all apologies to Mr. Gandhi.

(Also, truth be told, I often get cyber-smacked back and, perplexingly, find myself in the wrong.)

But despite it all, I try not to make it personal.

And that's where the line gets drawn, as I see it, between "spirited debate" and cyber-bullying or stalking.

Cyber-bullying is nothing but personal and the people most likely to be victimized and, paradoxically, to abuse their victims are young people, particularly young girls.

This is also true of cyber-stalking, an even more unnerving situation to confront.

We've all heard the stories of tormented teens, some of whom commit suicide, after being bullied on-line, on their phones, to their point where they feel they cannot even escape inside their homes.

To help them (and their parents) navigate these murky waters rides the Tri-County Area YWCA and their "Girl Talk Series."

The next installment, "Cyber Bullying and Stalking," will take place next Saturday at the YW, 315 King St. in Pottstown from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

The special speaker will be Colleen McIntyre, an assistant Montgomery County district attorney with experience the narcotics, juvenile and sex crimes units.

According to the YWCA's information, "stalking is a term commonly used to refer to unwanted and obsessive attention by an individual or group to another person."

They define cyber-bullying as "the use of the Internet or cell phones to harm other people in a deliberate, repeated and hostile manner."

The July 28 event is part of the YW's year-long "Year of the Young Woman," and two additional Girl Talks remain.

On Sept. 22, the subject will be "Advocacy" and on Nov. 10, girls will be urged to "Go Green."

For more information call the YWCA at 610-323-1888 or visit their web site at www.tricountywca.org.