GORHAM, ME — Join us at Baxter Memorial Library in Gorham for a special three hour workshop and discussion, tailored to attendees’ particular concerns regarding internet safety! The digital world, like the physical world, is fundamentally shaped by human nature – with all its creativity, kindness, and potential for connection, as well as its capacity for deception, manipulation, and harm. Our goal isn’t to make you afraid of online spaces, but to help you navigate them with confidence.

Think of this as your guide to digital street smarts. We’ll explore who you might meet in online spaces, what motivates different types of online behavior, how to protect yourself from various forms of harm, and how to build meaningful connections while staying safe. We’ll look at both technical protections – the locks and alarms of the digital world – and behavioral strategies that help you recognize and avoid dangerous situations. 

Sean Edwards has spent over two decades working with technology. His journey started as a teenager finding community online in the early days of the internet, giving him unique insight into both the opportunities and dangers of digital life. He now specializes in cybersecurity and online safety education, drawing from his professional technology experience and personal background as a digital native participating in online communities.

Based in Standish, Maine, Sean combines technical expertise with real-world perspective to help others navigate an increasingly complex digital world. Please register for this event at Baxter Memorial Library’s website.

Saturday, January 25, 9 am-12 pm: The Internet is Scary!