By Madison Go | Posted October 10, 2024
Officer Salvatore Intili and his Montgomery law enforcement colleagues let the kids lead the way, teaching the officers the basics of coding. In return, the officers taught the kids how to stay safe on the Internet during a “Coding with Cops,” event sponsored by theCoderSchool Montgomery in Belle Mead on Friday, September 13.
Montgomery Police Officer Salvatore Intili with two Coder School ambassadors, Risa Bhatia (left) and Emily Rizkalla (right), at Code with a Cop.
The young Montgomery coders were enthusiastic about the collaboration, and guiding the officers through various coding concepts. “I got to teach a cop something he knew nothing about and I felt very proud of it,” declared Kenneth King II, a student attendee.
The event also addressed critical online risks kids face everyday, including hate speech, sharing of personal information, and the posting inappropriate photos on social media. TheCoderSchool coaches and the police officers provided “practical safety tips, interactive discussions, and guidance to help kids recognize and avoid these dangers,” said Dominique Young, owner and director of theCoderSchool.
Parents also had an exclusive conversation with law enforcement officers, who were able to advise them on how to monitor their children and protect them from online threats. “Officers bring a unique perspective on real-world online threats and can provide authoritative, trustworthy guidance,” Young said. “By learning from local officers, kids can understand the legal implications of online behavior and how to protect themselves in digital environments.”
As adolescents increasingly engage with social media, these lessons become increasingly vital. TheCoderSchool staff, along with other educators and parents of Montgomery are teaching the next generation of leaders how to problem-solve, think creatively, and use the Internet responsibly.
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“Teachers and parents play a crucial role in helping kids navigate technology safely by providing guidance, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication about online behavior and potential risks,” Young said.
Diligent and assured learners expressed a sense of accomplishment after the event. When asked whether the pros of social media outweigh the cons, spirited fifth-grade attendee Sergio Aranguren said, “It really depends. For example, the pros are that you can talk to your friends, but the cons are that you might meet some people who you don’t trust.”
The successful collaboration between local law enforcement and young coders at “Code with A Cop” not only highlighted the importance of online safety, but also strengthened the sense of community in Montgomery, demonstrating how collective efforts will nurture our emerging leaders.
Set Clear Rules: Establish boundaries on screen time, websites they can visit, and apps they can use.
Use Strong Passwords: Teach kids to create complex, unique passwords and not to share them with anyone.
Monitor Online Activity: Regularly check the websites, games, and social media platforms your child uses.
Enable Parental Controls: Use built-in parental controls on devices and apps to block inappropriate content.
Teach Cyberbullying Awareness: Educate your kids about online bullying and encourage them to talk to you if it happens.
Discuss Sharing Limits: Remind them never to share personal information like addresses, phone numbers, or school details.
Talk About Strangers Online: Make sure kids know that not everyone online is who they claim to be and to avoid talking to strangers.
Stay Involved: Have ongoing conversations about their online experiences and stay engaged with what they’re doing digitally.
Learn more at thecoderschool.com/locations/montgomery.
theCoderSchool Montgomery
21 Belle Mead Griggstown Road, Suite J,
The Grove at Montgomery, near Hwy 206
(908) 262-7583
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