Naugatuck Middle School Students Hear Assembly About Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying [Video]

High school student Carline Doyle said she didn’t know as much about online predators until she participated in an Internet safety course — one that encompassed cyber bullying and proper online behavior.

“They really just devote their lives to preying on young kids,” said Doyle, 17, following a presentation on online safety at City Hill Middle School. “Even though they have all the time in the world, they always look for the easiest targets. They will spend months getting to know a kid just to get them up that trust level.”

Doyle attends Coginchaug High School, a Region 13 school in Durham. She and two classmates, Amy Solomon and Amanda Boyle, both 17, imparted a wealth of knowledge to a group of grade 7 and 8 students on how to be safe online during a presentation on Tuesday.

The three students studied Internet safety, cyber bullying, online predators, and proper use of social networking through a grant-funded state police program. They now visit schools to discuss the issues with students.

Here is a rundown of some of the tips the high school students made in regards to specific issues.

Solomon:

“Choose a picture with multiple people in it therefore if an online creep is targeting you they can’t tell which one is you. These creeps are only looking for the easiest way to get to you.”

“You don’t want to wear clothing that says your school. These creeps will find out when you have practice, come to your school, follow your car home, look at your house; it’s ridiculous what these online creeps can do.”

“Don’t wear anything revealing."

Doyle:

“Don’t have alcohol drinks. It’s illegal to have picture of you with a drink if you are not 21. You can get in trouble with principals and school leaders and also the law.”

Boyle:

“Places (a new Facebook application where users can note where they physically are located) is the top most predator-type thing that people take advantage of."