WaylandCares and Elementary PTO’s partnered together to present an Internet Safety presentation to over 200 4th and 5th grades and their parents at Happy Hollow School on Thursday, November 12th. The three elementary principals, Jim Lee, Brian Jones and Christy Harvey each welcomed the families from their respective schools. Jason Verhooosky, Director of WaylandCares led the presentation and reviewed many of the current social media platforms that are used today, with a clear reminder that the legal age to use these sites is 13 with parent permission. Verhoosky spoke specifically about Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and Google+, describing the way they work and the concerns when not used appropriately. Administrators and the PTO thought this was a great time to start talking with students and families about internet safety as Wayland 4th and 5th graders begin using Google Docs at school for assignments and projects. There was a good exchange of question and answers between Verhoosky, and the students were knowledgeable about many of the platforms.

Verhoosky also reminded the students to be positive and follow LARK (legal, appropriate, responsible, kind) and WOW (worthy of the world) when using any social media platform. To be selective as to who you connect with and do not interact with strangers. Verhoosky suggested parents check your child’s technology usage regularly, to have usernames and passwords for all of your children’s accounts and to establish charging stations for storing all devices at night.

A special thank you to PTO Presidents Jennifer Perlman, Jean Prince, Jennifer Sheldon and the parent volunteers who helped to make this a special night. WaylandCares hopes this is the first of many events with our elementary families. WaylandCares is a community coalition encouraging youth to make healthy decisions. The coalition meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 7:45-9am at the Wayland High School. All are welcome.