Malverne HS Freshmen Get Special Online Safety Orientation

MALVERNE, NY — Malverne High School joined with The Safe Center for a special Back to School program on Thursday.

The Safe Center, the leading victim service organization on Long Island, spoke to approximately 100 freshmen and new students.

This is the second year the Malverne School District has offered the program, presenting a chance for kids and parents to gather information on entering high school for the first time.

"We know that students spend an enormous amount of time online and we think it’s important they understand the accountability of what they do and share there,” said Lorraine DiFiglia, Director of Education and Learning for The Safe Center. "Part of our role is to encourage students to seek our trusted adults when they feel vulnerable or unsafe online. No one should feel ashamed asking for help."

“We want to make sure they are exploring and coming into their own self and being safe at the same time,” said Kesha Bascomb, Principal, Malverne High School.

This year Malverne High School has implemented a no cell phone policy for students during the school day.

Safe Center presenters shared ways teens can keep themselves safe in a variety of situations online, including warnings about sharing too much information, as well as cyberbullying and privacy, especially when texting or using apps like TikTok and YouTube.

"We know that students spend an enormous amount of time online and we think it’s important they understand the accountability of what they do and share there,” said Lorraine DiFiglia, Director of Education and Learning for The Safe Center. “Part of our role is to encourage students to seek our trusted adults when they feel vulnerable or unsafe online. No one should feel ashamed asking for help.”