Health & Fitness
NYPD Vet Speaks to Blind Brook Students and Parents About Internet Safety and the Risks of Social Networking Sites
Tom Grimes, a 20-year veteran of the NYPD and member of New York's Finest Speakers, recently spoke to Blind Brook Middle School and High School students and parents about Internet Awareness.
Rye Brook, NY – Tom Grimes, a 20-year veteran of the New York City Police Department and member of New York’s Finest Speakers, recently spoke to Blind Brook Middle School and High School students and parents about Internet Awareness. In a student assembly held during school, Mr. Grimes spoke about the threats and potential threats that children and teens can encounter on the Internet, specifically with respect to social networking sites such as chat rooms, MySpace, Twitter and Facebook. He addressed the dangers of sexual predators, identity theft, cyber bullying, sexting, cyber threats, and how posting personal information and photos can have serious repercussions.
In a separate evening presentation designed for parents and guardians, Mr. Grimes provided the audience with a detailed understanding of what children and teens commonly pursue on the Internet. He discussed possible risks associated with posting innocent status updates and photos and how predators utilize this information. In addition, he explained to parents how to talk to their children about the dangers of the Internet and how to navigate and find their children and their children’s friends on social networking sites.
“In this day and age where access to the Internet and the use of social networking sites is so prevalent, we think it is important to teach children how to use the Internet safely and parents need to be vigilant, knowledgeable and aware of dangers,” said Mary Mediate, Director of Guidance and Counseling for Blind Brook Public Schools.
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In addition to his 20 years at the New York City Police Department, Tom Grimes was an original member of the New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force. He has conducted public awareness safety seminars in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. New York’s Finest Speakers is a Law Enforcement Public Speaker’s Bureau providing public seminars to educate the public on topics such as Internet Awareness, Realtor Safety, Drug Awareness, Counter Terrorism and Money Laundering.
