Parents, caregivers, and educators at Penfield Central School District are invited to attend the presentation, Digital Dangers - Behind the Screens: The Hidden Risks Facing our Youth, delivered by FBI Buffalo.

The presentation is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Penfield High School Commons. Online registration is open now through Monday, Nov. 16.

Delivered as an online simulcast format, communities from districts across Western New York gather as Watch Groups to see the presentation; this is the third year Penfield has participated in the program.

Register to Attend the Digital Dangers Presentation

Digital Dangers is designed to inform parents, educators, and school communities about today’s most pressing online safety concerns and provide resources for parents and educators to use at home and in the classroom. During the presentation, members of FBI Buffalo will explore how seemingly harmless online interactions can turn into threats of manipulation or violence against youth. Two Penfield administrators - Ted Wilson, Safety and Security Coordinator, and Brandon Fox, Seventh Grade Counselor at Bay Trail Middle School - will be present in-person to take questions from attendees.

“We have seen a steady increase in the number of youths across our county impacted by this type of crime,” said Fox. “We encourage parents and caregivers to attend and hear the real-life examples of how youth are targeted online and learn about strategies for prevention and resources for educating children about digital safety.”

As the content includes frank discussions geared toward adults, the presentation is not suitable for young children. This event is limited to those who have registered to maintain a secure and trusted environment for discussing these sensitive issues. Additionally, the presentation is only offered in the Watch Group format; FBI Buffalo does not allow districts to share the link to the presentation and parents/guardians will not be able to view the event individually.

Attendees are asked to arrive at 5:30 p.m. Park in the Commons Lot (to the right of the bus loop) or the Senior Lot (located on the west side of the campus) and enter the building through Door 50, the entrance closest to the Commons.