ROUND TOP — The Round Top Family Library is providing a critically needed seminar for parents, grandparents and guardians. The cyber-safety seminar will inform caregivers of the threats to their children and teens in this era of online dangers. Round Top Family Library has partnered with the Fayette County Sheriff's Office and Round Top Church Christian Fellowship for the program.
The seminar will take place on Tuesday, May 9 at 6 p.m. at the Round Top Church Christian Fellowship on 440 E. Mill St. in Round Top, just before the summer break, because the summer months are especially difficult to chaperone. Children and teens are home during the summer for long stretches with increasing access to the online environment.
Round Top Family Library Executive Director Craig Moreau commented on the threats “Every home in our county is at risk from nefarious forces if the home is connected to the internet. This risk is manageable with knowledge and best practices. When we were young, we thought of kidnappers and evil-doers rolling up in a scary van to kidnap us and do us harm. Today, the “scary van” has become our connected devices; our phones, tablets, smart tv’s and computers. Predators and scammers will stop at nothing in their demented efforts. Every caregiver, including great-grandparents, should educate themselves on what is out there so that they can use the online environment with comfort and security. Caregivers should be empowered to set appropriate limits, monitor activities, and look after their most precious loved ones. It is our job to be good guardians, and we need the skills to do so in today’s environment.”
The seminar is featuring testimony from Sgt. Angela Lala, Fayette County Sherriff's Office detective specializing in crimes against children, an educational session by RTFL Executive Director Craig Moreau, and a hands-on session with connected devices. The audience is reminded to bring their smartphone, iPads, tablets and laptops for the technical portion of the class.
Childcare is provided at the Round Top Family Library, and the seminar takes place at the Round Top Church Christian Fellowship. Lite bites and beverages are provided at both locations. There is no charge, but capacity may be restricted if either venue becomes overfilled. Call the library for additional details. Round Top Family Library is a non-profit, 501(c)(3).
