Georgia 4-H Celebrates Safe Communities Month and Preventing Cyber Bullying

Partnering with local Cooperative Extension Offices, Youth Technology Leadership Team (YTLT) will serve as a resource for the public to gain knowledge and resources. Tech Team members travel around the state to lead free classes for community members on 'Internet & Social Networking Safety', 'Cyber-bullying' and more. Classes will be advertised as a part of the 4-H program to local public school systems for kids ages 9-19. The addition of GPS / GIS technology will allow team members to track where computers are most needed and where computers are awarded to ensure the objectives are accomplished. Through 'Need-a-Computer', youth/families apply for a refurbished computer to gain technology for home use allowing them increased opportunities. Research shows that when children from lower income families are given access to a computer at home, they are more likely to download study guides, visit a doctor because of discovering new information, and visit bulletin boards where they can express their opinion with others. YTLT members will be assigned to serve as mentors to awardees as they learn to use the technology safely and prevent cyber bullying.