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2 The Hill Country Middle School booster club hosted a meeting for parents Jan. 12 aimed at emphasizing the serious dangers that can exist when kids engage in unsupervised Internet exploration.
The presentation by Sgt. Amy Padron of the Texas Attorney General’s Office was part of the school’s “Hill Country 4-1-1” parent information series.
“Internet safety and security is a huge issue for kids of all ages, but especially in middle school,” said Marilyn Kounnas, HCMS Cougar Club president. “These kids are texting, tweeting, instant messaging and posting all sorts of information into the cyber world.”
The ability to remain anonymous on the Web gives some kids the license to post gossip, personal information and embarrassing pictures of other kids.
“This type of bullying has been on the increase in our schools,” Kounnas said. “Parents need to understand, not only that this behavior is going on, but how to stop it from happening if their children have become a target.”
Another reason to keep close watch on children’s activity on the Internet is that kids post all sorts of personal information online, Kounnas said. That puts information into the hands of identity thieves and child predators.
“Parents need to know what their kids are doing with technology,” Kounnas said. “Who is on their friends list? Who are they texting on a regular basis? What Web sites are they visiting? Who are their online gaming friends? We spend so much time protecting our younger children from stranger danger. What are we doing to protect our school age children from the dangers of the Internet?”
Kounnas said the information provided was a great beginning and a prompt for parents to start discussions with their children.
“I think parents were surprised and almost shocked at some of the things that were happening in our own community,” she said.
The Attorney General’s Office has a Web site with a section on cyber safety that includes videos, discussion items and other information concerning the Internet.
“It’s a great resource for parents to begin discussion with their children,” Kounnas said.
I was really glad in reading your article that some people are doing something about this problem. I waned to let you that there are tools helping teachers to protect students on the Internet. Unfortunately the same Internet dangers lurk at school. I am certain you would be interested by the site I indicated on top: compuguardian.com. It’s owner is David jones and is very involved in this issue. Thanks again for the good work. Kind regards, Concetta
Some parents claim that their young students accessed problem sites while in Eanes ISD elementary school settings. Further, the district central administrators were notified.