D.A. Blodgett Distributes On-Line Safety Program

Essex District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett has distributed copies of his latest prevention program to educators and police chiefs to help keep our youth safe, and to assist them in making wise decisions when using digital communications.

The PowerPoint presentation, "Think Before You Send: Using Digital Communications Responsibly," consists of a CD with slides and a video. The program identifies the risks associated with digital communication and informs young people about how the use of technology could violate the law.

The presentation covers privacy/disclosure of personal information, cyberbullying, digital dating abuse, sexting, predators and associated legal consequences.

Since the debut of this initiative in September, the program has been presented to students at many schools throughout the county. One high school trained its sports captains to facilitate the program to their teammates. In addition, the program has been offered to adults to increase their awareness of the risks associated with digital communication.

For further information, please contact Juvenile Justice staff, Ruth Budelmann, Mariellen Fidrych or Meghan Meagher in District Attorney Blodgett's Office at 978-745-6610.

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