NHS PTSA Recommends

Internet Safety Presentation For Parents

By Eliza Hallabeck

A program brought to Newtown last school year through the effort of then-Newtown High School PTSA President Sarah Beier and school district Security Director Mark Pompano is returning.

Newtown Middle School PTA President Maggie Conway helped to organize the event last year, and said on Tuesday, January 25, the Institute for Responsible Online and Cellphone Communication (IROC2) Executive Director and presenter Richard Guerry will be giving four presentations in Newtown again this year.

The program will be presented at Reed Intermediate School and Newtown High School this year to reach different age groups. One presentation will be held during the day for students at each school, according to NHS PTSA President Carla Kron.

“Most people just don’t realize how permanent everything is that is electronic: anything on your cellphone, computer, or any other electronic devise just doesn’t die,” said Ms Kron.

Two evening presentations will also be held for parents to attend. Ms Conway and Ms Kron both encourage residents with children of any age to attend the free public events.

The program first came to Newtown community when Ms Beier and Mr Pompano started looking into what affects the Internet has on students. Mr Pompano then read an e-mail on school safety featuring the IROC2 program, and contacted Ms Beier about it.

“I think people should attend because it is a great program, and it brings awareness to the fears of those of us who understand it a bit better,” said Ms Conway. “Some people don’t realize what damage it can do to the kids and even us as adults.”

Ms Kron said there are many examples of teenagers nationally who have taken a personal sense of safety on the Internet for granted, and they learned too late the lasting impacting information on the Internet can have.

“I strongly encourage everybody to go to it,” Ms Kron said. “They will learn something.”

Both Ms Kron and Ms Conway said they will be attending the program this year with their children. Reed Intermediate School’s PTA and the NHS PTSA are sponsoring the roughly $1,100 program.

According to the high school’s release for the program, Mr Guerry’s presentation provides information “beyond the common issues of sexting, cyberbullying and sextortion — and describes methods to reduce the risks of your child becoming a victim of cyber crime.”

Newtown High School’s presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, February 8, from 7 to 8:30 pm.

Reed Intermediate School’s presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, February 9, from 7 to 8:30 pm.

“I think there is a lot out there that we don’t realize. Even when we think we are informed, we are not,” said Ms Kron.

Ms Kron also said for parents of students who will be attending the IROC2 presentations during school, attending the night events will help give the parents talking points for the topic with their children.

For parents and students who attended the program last year, Ms Conway said to expect some changes to the program, which are making her exciting to attend.

More information on the nonprofit organization is available at www.iroc2.org.