In an assembly with Richard Guerry on April 19, students at Harlem Elementary School learned important safety issues surrounding the use of technology. Guerry, who is from New Jersey and represents the Institute for Responsible Online and Cellphone Communication (IROC2), presented to third, fourth, and fifth graders.

In his fast-talking, energetic style, Guerry reminded students that technology tools are powerful and that using them comes with great responsibility. According to Guerry, technology should be used for helping, not harming. He shared strategies with the students for minimizing risks by being aware of certain situations that could jeopardize not only their specific technologies but even their own well-being. He covered topics to address safe and responsible digital picture taking, the importance of understanding "oversharing" and why we must prevent this action, and understanding what digital citizenship is and how to be a good digital citizen.

Guerry further discussed with his audience how they are the test subjects, the pioneers, for this global technology boom, which is growing daily by leaps and bounds. With rapidly evolving tools and platforms, students must be on the lookout for the bad, as well as the good, in order to maneuver through today's and tomorrow's advanced technologies. Because of this growth, youth will also be depended upon to teach and pass on what they have learned to the next generation.

"The group was completely immersed in Mr. Guerry's messages. He definitely made a huge impression on his audience, and the students will benefit greatly as they use his messages to not only enhance their use of technology but to keep themselves safe in the process," said Janice Gilham, the Computer Technology Assistant for Harlem Elementary School.