Riverview School District to host cyber security/bullying seminar

Families interested in learning from local law enforcement and judges about internet safety, cyber bullying and how to better safeguard children can do so at a special seminar in Oakmont Wednesday night.

It is presented by Riverview School District in collaboration with Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr.’s office.

The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tenth Street Elementary, 901 Pennsylvania Ave.

Deputy district attorneys Meghan Black and Jen DiGiovanni will be on hand to deliver presentations and a question and answer segment. Black supervises the juvenile court unit and DiGiovanni supervises the child abuse unit.

“The cruelness of a child being bullied on the web is particularly devastating because it is often done anonymously and it lasts forever,” Zappala said. “Just as every parent wants to know where their child is physically at any given time, it is vitally important for parents to always know how their child’s life is playing out in cyberspace.”

Magisterial district judges Linda Zucco of Plum and David Sosovicka of Springdale also are expected to attend.

Discussion topics related to cyber security include:

• What’s considered a crime.

• How to address parent concerns.

• How to respect confidentiality and minimize risks of negative consequences.

Riverview officials said they’re proud to offer this free opportunity to all neighboring school districts and their families.

“The internet has drastically changed the way teens and children interact with one another and the world,” Riverview High School Counselor Tara Jo Morascyzk said. “Many students and parents are not aware on Internet risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate material and predators having access to our youth daily via the internet.

“Safety is of utmost importance, and this event is necessary for our communities. As a school counselor, I work with students a lot surrounding social media and the effects of posts that can follow their academic career and potentially have a negative impact on their future.”

More information is posted at rsd.k12.pa.us.