By Santee Ross, University of Montana

As the new generation trades childhood games like hopscotch for Facebook, Wyoming Indian High School hosted an all day seminar on September 8th, according to a story in the Sept. 15 edition of the Wind River News. Middle and high school students who attend any of the four schools within the Wind River Reservation, in west central Wyoming, sat through a presentation that addressed many issues, one including the dangers of cyberland.

I remember sitting through similar seminars and thinking, “God, this is boring … who can I text?” Now that I’ve grown (ayy) I’m glad there are still presentations on how to stay safe, especially with this new generation.

My niece knows more about Angry Birds than algebra. Not that I blame her, those damn elusive pigs get you hooked. My point being that this new crop of youngsters is even more plugged in than my generation.

I grew up with Goosebumps and Oregon Trail, while my nieces and nephews are growing up with Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Their toys have become cell phones and the Internet. So with this new digital playground comes a responsibility to teach our youth the dangers that accompany it.

This is why, according to the Wind River News, BIA special agent Ted Thayer and U.S. Assistant Attorney for the district of Wyoming Kerry Jacobson took the time to present and address issues the native youth within the Wind River Reservation may be struggling with.

Although it was Laurie Nathan from the National Center for missing and exploited children who led the presentation about the dangers of cyber land. She told the students to make responsible decisions, which proves to be true when your Facebook status can negatively affect your future job or scholarship opportunities.

Also sexting is never a good idea, especially when you find out your new snag is your cousin.

So I’m happy to hear the youth are still being rallied up to be taught how to stay safe but instead of “Don’t talk to strangers” it’s “Do you really want to post that?”

Santee Ross is a freshman at the University of Montana. She is Hopi from Lander, Wyoming.