Whether it's Instant Messaging their friends, updating their MySpace.com pages or researching background information for a book report, using the Internet has, for the most part, become an everyday ritual of kids and teens today. The Island Trees School District, in partnership with the Council of PTAs, is hosting an Internet Safety Summit meeting for parents on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

William Brennan, district coordinator of technology for the Island Trees School District and Island Trees Middle School teacher and Get.A.Voice coordinator Nicole Wittschiebe have been instrumental in getting the summit underway.

The event will include information about current problems occurring over the Internet, information on cyber bullying, how predators retrieve information about a young person, how they use the information to their advantage, how to protect children and teenagers when they are using the Internet, websites to watch out for and how to speak with your children about the risks of the web.

Brennan said the district is expecting a positive response to this event and hopes that all parents attend.

"I am very excited about this event. Having worked with the PTAs, district administration, technology and cyber bullying committees I am positive that parents will leave this meeting in awe. This will be a positive experience for the parents and community members of the district," he added.

Parents of students of all ages are encouraged to attend, however the summit will only be suitable for adults. A Nassau County police detective will be on hand to answer any questions from parents and information material will be available to take home.

"As a school district, we feel that it is important to educate the parents about the possible situations that can happen to their children," Wittschiebe said.

The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Island Trees High School auditorium. For more information, email William Brennan at wbrennan@islandtrees.org.