[November 21, 2009] Cyber education initiative for youths to start in Poconos Tweet HAWLEY, Nov 21, 2009 (The Times-Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A program that teaches youths and their parents about Internet safety will soon begin in the Poconos, thanks to a $20,000 grant. Speaking Friday at Wallenpaupack Area High school, law enforcement officials announced the $20,000 Verizon Foundation grant, which is being provided by the Wayne County Community Foundation. With the grant, school officials hope to implement the I-Safe Program for about 50,000 youths in Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties. "The Internet is a wonderful tool, literally bringing the world to our doorsteps," Wayne County District Attorney Michael Lehutsky said. "Unfortunately, it's a tool with bad aspects, as well." He added the Internet can expose children to serious "hazards," including gambling and sexual predators. Mr. Lehutsky said students could access the program as early as next week in school and at home. Subjects covered by the program include personal safety, responsible social networking, bullying, security, community citizenship, plagiarism and property rights. Wallenpaupack Area High School Principal Jay Starnes said the program provides parents an opportunity to earn certificates by completing Internet safety courses. He added the program had been implemented at Wallenpaupack Area until federal funding ended this year. "It is effective and kids take a lot of information from it," Mr. Starnes said. The program will be implemented for kindergarten through 12th-grade students. Wallenpaupack Area senior Caleb Wehrmann said the program taught him how to identify dangerous Web sites and how viruses work, among other topics. "It helped me," Mr. Wehrmann added. Contact the writer: [email protected] To see more of The Times-Tribune or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]