Glenbard parent series to tackle Internet issues

Not long ago, the social networking site Facebook launched a redesign that forced users to reset their privacy settings or be in danger of having their information open to anybody. But even with a profile set as private, Anastasia Goodstein says personal information still could get out.

And as teens get more immersed in social media, they should tread carefully, the author and blogger warns.

"They have to think about what they post before they post it," Goodstein said. "If they are putting up something risque, they are taking a risk."

Goodstein founded Youth Pulse, a youth-oriented Web site that features an award-winning blog. She will take part in the Glenbard Parent Series with her presentation, "Totally Wired: What Teens Are Really Doing Online." She will speak to students this morning, then offer a free community program at 7 p.m. today at Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

The talks will echo issues Goodstein explored in her book "Totally Wired: What Teens and Tweens Are Really Doing Online," released in 2007.

The message, she said, is one of both caution and awareness. She said she hopes to impress on students that, while everything posted online is not necessarily private, they can use that as a way of promoting themselves.

"It's really about privacy and online reputation management," she said. "The more positive you put online, the lower the negative sinks."

The presentation will cover topics that have emerged in recent years, such as cyber bullying and "sexting," or sending sexually explicit materials to others by text message.

"There are still many parents who don't know what any of this stuff is," Goodstein said.

Gilda Ross, the school's special projects coordinator, said the lecture should help parents better understand exactly what teens deal with online.

"It's a different environment that kids have in schools nowadays," Ross said.

If you goWhat: "Totally Wired: What Teens Are Really Doing Online," presented by author and award-winning blogger Anastasia GoodsteinWhen: 7 p.m. todayWhere: Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen EllynCost: FreeInfo: glenbard87.org