Digital safety in a rapidly changing world

In the last 10 years, the capabilities of modern technology exploded. From the release of the first iPhone in 2007 to the resulting flurry of smartphones, new technology and apps, children and teens have become comfortable with the internet at their fingertips. But what if they’ve become too comfortable?

This month is Digital Safety Awareness month and Vashon’s substance abuse organization — VARSA — is aiming to educate parents about the dangers of technology and how to protect children. The month’s events focus on children’s access to readily available nefarious material and participation in questionable behavior — porn, sexting.

Both Vashon High School principal Danny Rock and sex educator Jo Langford — who will speak on Vashon later this month — cited examples of sexting (including sending and receiving nude photos) rings at schools throughout the nation that ended in federal investigations and/or criminal penalties.

Parents need to attend these talks or get educated and find resources on their own. The time to start educating parents and children on the seriousness of actions in cyberspace is now. At the pace technology is growing, the next 10 years are likely to bring a whole new set of issues.

Paramedic plan warrants community participation

An estimated 100 islanders showed up to hear experts talk about coyotes last week — animals whose presence on the island has been increasing in recent years. Also that week, only about 10 islanders showed up to hear about a plan to absorb Vashon’s paramedics into the South King County Medic One system.

Islanders can clearly turn out for meetings, and the issue of the island’s paramedics is a topic that has been hotly debated and questioned for the past two years. The paramedic plan, and the potential changes that come with it, could affect people when they call 911 and warrants islanders having a fully informed opinion about it. Vashon Island Fire & Rescue commissioners are encouraging islanders to attend a special meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 12, to hear about the plan that may be implemented early next year. While the topic may not be as exciting as wild predators in our midst, it is important, and every islander who is interested should understand what is happening.

The time to listen, ask questions and voice concerns or support for the idea is now. We hope to see you there.