In a proactive and unique program, The Safe Center, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, the leading victim service organization on Long Island, presented a special Back to School program to approximately 100 freshmen and new students at Malverne High School here today. 

Safe Center presenters shared ways teens can keep themselves safe in a variety of situations online, including warnings about sharing too much information, phishing links, catfishing and impersonation, as well as cyberbullying and privacy, especially when texting or using apps like TikTok, YouTube and multi-player online video games.

"We know that students spend an enormous amount of time online and we think it’s important they understand the accountability of what they do and share there,” said Lorraine DiFiglia, Director of Education and Learning for The Safe Center. “Part of our role is to encourage students to seek our trusted adults when they feel vulnerable or unsafe online. No one should feel ashamed asking for help.” 

This is the second year the Malverne School District has offered the program, presented on a day where kids and parents come to gather information on entering high school for the first time. The program was created in partnership with the Malverne School District and seeks to instill fundamental foundational skills for a healthy school year. 

“We want to make sure they are exploring and coming into their own self and being safe at the same time,” said Kesha Bascomb, Principal, Malverne High School. 

This year Malverne High School has implemented a no cell phone policy for students during the school day, 

About The Safe Center

The Safe Center, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, is the leading victim service organization in Nassau County, providing comprehensive and trauma-informed services for victims of interpersonal violence including domestic violence, child sexual and severe physical abuse, rape and sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse. In 2014, The Safe Center was created by the merger of the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (founded in 1978) and the Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect (founded in 1979). This merger created a highly integrated service model to empower victims of interpersonal violence to recover from their abuse. The Safe Center operates a 24-hour Hotline (516-542-0404) providing crisis intervention, access to services, and information and support. Visit https://www.tscli.org for more information.