Jayne Hitchcock addresses middle schoolersSocial Networking De-mystified

If you have a child of middle-school age or older, chances are you have at least heard of social networking sites such as facebook and myspace.  But many parents are seeking more information on sites like these in an attempt to keep pace with their technologically savvy teenagers.  On February 24, 2009, CEEF, in partnership with the MSPA and HSPA, sponsored a presentation on social networking sites, given by Jayne A. Hitchcock.  Ms. Hitchcock is president of WHO@KTD, an acronym for "working to halt online abuse, kids-teen division," which helps online victims worldwide under the age of 18, as well as parents, teachers and other concerned adults navigate the often confusing world of online social networking.  The presentation covered topics as basic as what social networking sites are, to the less-talked about concerns such as cyberbullying and "sexting."  Ms. Hitchcock offered many tools for parents to help their children if they are being bullied online, including how to respond to varying types of harassing messages, and how to change the controls on social networking home pages to make them safer for kids.

The evening offered a forum for parents to learn about the benefits and detriments of the online world that is such an enormous part children’s social communications today.  For anyone interested in more details on Jayne Hitchcock and her organization, visit www.haltabusektd.org