Heritage students listen intently as Stephen Smith offers tips about cyber safety.
On September 8, Stephen Smith, an internet-safety expert and author, visited Blendon and Heritage middle schools to discuss what students need to know and do to stay safe and aware when it comes to their digital and social media lives. Smith has worked as a teacher, coach writer, film director and sales executive. He recently completed his first book, called Social Media: Your Child’s Digital Tattoo. Smith said, “My experiences in life and education have allowed me the opportunity to understand the value that technology brings to our lives – as well as the challenges of managing these tools within a framework of families and schools.” He is speaking to pupils at Walnut Springs and Genoa Middle School today. His important message was made possible by the Westerville Education Challenge group, which sponsors Challenge Day and other character building programs throughout the Westerville School District.
On September 26, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Heritage Middle School administrators and counselors will join Westerville City Schools Technology Integration Specialist Lane Halterman for an informative and engaging session for families about how to support cyber-safety and digital citizenship on the home front. The session will included information about social media, the effects that cyber-life can have on young adolescents, and helpful strategies and technology learning tools that families can use with their middle schoolers.