Senator Foley Discusses Internet Safety with Sayville Students as Part of "Internet Smarts" Series

SAYVILLE, NY – Senator Brian X. Foley (D – Blue Point) addressed over 260 students at the Sayville Middle School during an “Internet Smarts” students assembly where 6^th graders learned the importance of safe internet use. Cyberbullying and Social Networking was the focus of the day as students learned how to use the internet for education and enjoyment without putting themselves at risk.

Following welcoming remarks by Sayville Middle School Principal Dr. Walter Schartner, Senator Foley and Cablevision’s Vice President of Government Affairs Adam Falk, the participating students spoke about what they learned from a case study dealing with cyberbullying found on Cablevision’s Power to Learn website (www.powertolearn.com).  Senator Foley then congratulated the students and presented them with their individual Internet Smart certificates.  Students then signed a pledge, promising to help make a difference and practice safe behavior.

“It is important that all students today have access to the internet for learning, but we must be sure it is being used safely,” said Foley, who serves on the Senate Education Committee.  “Topics including cyberbullying and social networking online must be addressed as they can affect all of our children.  Programs such as Cablevision’s Internet Smarts help equip students with the knowledge and resources needed to safely navigate their way through Internet.”

Foley recognized Sayville Middle School and Cablevision for their efforts in safeguarding students and giving them the tools necessary to use the internet in an appropriate fashion.

“Using the internet safely and knowing how to appropriately deal with issues such as cyberbullying are basic skills required of all students today,” said Sayville Middle School Principal Dr. Walter Schartner.

“Cablevision is committed to providing students and their families with the best skills and opportunities for a successful future,” added Adam Falk, Cablevision’s Vice President of Government Affairs.  “It’s important to provide schools with a diverse range of powerful tools including state-of-the-art technology that helps to engage and excite young minds.”

Speaking to the assembly, Foley urged students to openly communicate with their parents and immediately alert them if they come across something threatening or inappropriate while on-line.

For more information, please contact us at sd3info@gmail.com or by phone at 631-360-3365 (3356).