Seminars

Keeping School Students Safe in the Digital Age

Increasingly, school students of all ages are relying on electronic communication through cell phones, instant messaging, social networking websites, and video chat. The meteoric rise of these new communication mediums and technologies brings a host of new dangers for our children. From texting to cyber-bullying, one only needs to watch the news to see the myriad of ways students are at risk through this new technology. Teachers, parents, and school administrators must work collaboratively to educate students about the dangers associated with these technologies, and must implement pro-active strategies to keep students safe.

This seminar is specifically catered to different audiences with a different emphasis for each. For administrators and teachers, the presentation will focus on considerations for policies and practices while avoiding legal pitfalls related to free speech, search and seizure and disciplinary consideration. For parents, the emphasis of the presentation is on awareness and prevention. New technologies are explained, along with the frequent hazards for young users. Finally, for students, the focus is on the identification of potential dangers, common sense strategies to stay safe, and the critical importance of making responsible choices with technology.