Free presentation touts how to stay safe in a digital world

ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS/OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — Online safety can be tricky to navigate in today’s digital world.

Whether you come across inappropriate content, are contacted by scammers or strangers online, or experience cyberbullying, learning how to identify and manage internet safety risks has never been more important.

“Having a clear understanding of the digital world and how to safely navigate it is critical for every member of our community,” said Lindsay Wood, the vice chair of Rochester Area Youth Assistance.

To help educate students and community members on responsible internet use, Rochester Area Youth Assistance is partnering with Rochester Community Schools to host digital consciousness presentations at the four RCS middle schools, followed by one for the community.

Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Debi Fragomeni said the district tries to do all it can to keep students, staff, families and the community safe, adding that age-appropriate discussions about digital citizenship take place across all grade levels so students can safely and thoughtfully learn, create and participate online.

“We are truly grateful for our partnership with the Rochester Area Youth Assistance, which enhances learning through quality programs and services, such as the Digital Safety and Mindfulness event,” Fragomeni said in a statement.

Rochester-area community members ages 12 and older are invited to attend the free Digital Safety & Mindfulness presentation 6-7:30 p.m. March 19 in the cafeteria at Hart Middle School, 6500 Sheldon Road. Registration is not needed.

Attendees will hear from Richard Guerry, of the Institute for Responsible Online and Cellphone Communication, who has written multiple cyber safety books and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

Many people, Guerry said, don’t realize that online tools have eliminated space and time.

“They give you instant knowledge, instant communication and instant permanence,” he said.

Guerry will share tips on preventing cyber cruelty; safe communication in gaming, public databases and digital transparency; preventing abuse of current and future apps; poor social media and oversharing behaviors; use of wearable tech; and many other cyber issues.

“The entire program is to help parents and students understand the tools and apps will always change, but the mindset we apply to the power of that tool is going to matter. … So if we can help our kids develop skills and help them understand the power of their tools and, most importantly, through practice and time, install a thought system to help them use those tools responsibly, they can do extraordinary things. It’s not about keeping them away from technology; it’s about helping them harness the power of technology to use it to open the windows of opportunity,” Guerry said.

Rochester Area Youth Assistance is a prevention-based nonprofit organization whose goal is to strengthen youth and families in the Rochester community. Services and programs are available at no cost or a reduced cost to school-age youth and families who reside in the Rochester Community Schools district.

For more information about RAYA, email raya@rochester.k12.mi.us or call (248) 656-3558.