Wired Families, Safe Kids March 4, 2010

On Thursday, March 4, tech guru Leo Laporte and his family will present “Wired Families, Safe Kids: One Family’s Journey” at Sonoma Academy, addressing concerns about teenagers’ internet use. The event begins at 6:30 pm in the Fitzsimmons Black Box Theater on the SA campus.

Leo Laporte was recently ranked #12 in Forbes’ list of the top 25 Web Celebs. He hosts and produces the most popular technology shows on the Internet (find them on TWIT) and has a nationally syndicated radio talk show at The Tech Guy. Leo will be joined by his wife, Jennifer, a licensed psychotherapist, and their two teenage children, Abby and Henry, both students at Sonoma Academy. Abby is a senior who has produced her own podcasts, and Henry is a freshman who uses his computer for writing music with friends in real time.

Leo will demonstrate some of the activities kids favor online, including Instant Messenger, Twitter, Facebook, My Space, and video chat. He will explain the risks and benefits of each, so parents can make more informed decisions about Internet use in the home, and will offer age-appropriate Internet use contracts for parents and kids.

They will lead participants in a discussion of such questions as: “How do you safeguard your children’s privacy, relationships, and even future reputations?” “Do you allow your child to have a computer in his/her room?” “Does your child have a contract with you about how they will use the Internet?” There will also be a question and answer period.

This event is free and open to the public. All interested parents are encouraged to attend. Reserve a space by calling (707) 545-1770.