Technology forum in West Bloomfield scheduled tonight

The West Bloomfield School District will host a seminar entitled “Beyond Internet Safety” at West Bloomfield High School tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 19 beginning at 7 p.m. to address how cyber technology can affect students and how parents can protect their children.

Issues such as “sexting,” cyber-bullying and identity protection will be among the topics discussed, along with children’s access to cell phones and the Internet, whether at home or at a friend’s house.

“Children have more access to technology than adults may not be aware of,” said West Bloomfield Schools Superintendent JoAnn Andrees, who will serve as the event moderator. “We need to give adults tools and strategies to keep our students safe. We’re trying to be proactive.”

Guests scheduled to speak include Matt Roth of the U.S. Department of Justice, West Bloomfield Police School Liason Officer Chuck Mendham, and Neil Currie, the district’s director of technology.

Last year, the West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education adopted additions to the district’s student code of conduct to address cyber-bullying, which is defined in the code as harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening or terrorizing another person by sending, posting or displaying inappropriate and hurtful e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, digital images/photos/videos or website postings.

In 2009, the board approved revisions to the district’s athletic code of conduct including an Inappropriate Cyber Image Policy, which disciplines student-athletes for posting and/or being pictured in images or videos involving drugs, alcohol or other criminal behaviors.