Internet safety at Island Park schools

Children have access to all sorts of technology that was unthinkable a generation ago. And with it comes its pitfalls – from cyber bullying to stranger danger.

Last month, students at Kings Park and Smithtown schools were found sending sexually explicit pictures to each other through their cell phones – an activity known as “sexting.” As a result, 20 students were suspended and two were arrested.

So how do schools educate and protect students from such behavior?

In Island Park, education on this issue starts with a lunchtime presentation for third and fourth graders about Internet stranger danger and good “netiquette” in October or November. “The presentation focuses on personal information and personal safety,” said Jacob Russum, principal of Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School. “They sign a personal safety contract… It’s a 15 to 20 minute presentation but kids really do pay attention to it and listen.”

Russum said that the contract, which includes a letter to parents that encourages them to continue the conversation, should be displayed in a prominent place in the home. In the schools themselves, there are more presentations on personal safety and Megan’s Law in the spring.

“We do think it’s important for kids to have an understanding at early age,” said Russum.

At Lincoln Orens Middle School, grades five through 8 have individualized presentations during October. “The Assembly for each grade has a social worker and computer teacher,” said Vincent Randazzo, principal of Lincoln Orens Middle School. “They are there to address any questions student might have.”

In fifth grade, the discussion focuses on Internet safety, cyber bullying and stranger danger from cyber predators. Those topics are explored more in depth in the sixth grade presentation, as well as social networking safety. The seventh grade presentation spends the bulk of its time on social networking safety since children tend to join social networks at that age.

“I think the problem with social media is very simple,” said Randazzo. “Kids think they can get behind an iPad or device and say something they wouldn’t say to someone.”