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UNION COUNTY PRODUCES NEW CYBER SAFETY DVD AVAILABLE FREE FOR PARENTS

New dvd, entitled “Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and Social Networking” produced through partnership with Union County Prosecutor’s Office

 

Elizabeth, NJ The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in partnership with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, announced the creation of a new DVD on cyber safety for parents.

The DVD, entitled “Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and Social Networking,” takes a proactive approach to keeping children safe from the dangers of the web and social networking.  It is designed to teach parents the potential threats to their children and offers tips on how to address the cyber safety issue without embarrassing their children or betraying their trust.

The “Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and Social Networking” DVD is an initiative of Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon, and is now available for free from the Union County Office of Public Information. The video from the DVD has also been posted to the Union County website and can be viewed in the video channel section, at www.ucnj.org/videochannel/

“It is our hope the information provided on this presentation will help parents take a proactive approach to keeping their children cyber safe,” said Freeholder Scanlon.   “The internet and modern technology have changed the landscaping of parenting. Children are cyber savvy, many parents are not. We encourage parents to use the material from the presentation to have a discussion with their children about this matter.”

Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow said he hopes the video will empower parents and guardians to get more involved with their children’s Internet activities and to take the time to educate themselves with the particular programs and devices children use to communicate.

“The internet can be very useful and informative, but it can also be a very dangerous vehicle,” Prosecutor Romankow said. “We are trying to help parents learn about what they can do to protect their children from trouble.”

The Union County Prosecutor’s office has been extremely proactive in response to the issue of cyber-bullying and internet safety, Scanlon noted.  The DVD, which is over an hour and twenty minutes, contains a presentation by Sergeant Michael Hoose of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Task Force.  Hoose is recognized as an authority on cyber incidents, and conducts outreach each year; visiting schools and making presentations to parents’ organizations and students.  During his presentation he discusses the most prevalent threats to children and young adults including sexting, cyber-bullying, secret videotaping and high-tech pranks.

Copies of the DVD will be made available at the Public Information Van during various Union County events.  Residents may also obtain a copy of the Cyber Bullying DVD by contacting either Mary Lynn Williams 908-527-4106 of the Union County Office of Public Information or by sending an email to info@ucnj.org.