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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 14 January 2026

Created: 14 January 2026

Last Updated: 15 January 2026

Hits: 1933

Terri Simon(Submitted by the Scarsdale Bowl Committee)
Terri Simon will receive the 2026 Scarsdale Bowl. The venerated Bowl award is presented annually since 1943 to those who have “given unselfishly of time, energy, and effort to the civic welfare of the community.” Terri’s many years of service and dedication to the Scarsdale community, along with her commitment and compassion, have earned her this honor.

The Scarsdale Foundation also continues its newer tradition of honoring either an individual or an organization who has made a tangible difference in the community’s quality of life in one specific area. The Spotlight Award, established in 2023, this year goes to Scarsdale Historical Society for bringing together Village residents to celebrate our rich history.

We invite everyone in Scarsdale to help celebrate the Foundation’s honorees at the Bowl Dinner on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026. The Scarsdale Foundation promotes and celebrates volunteerism and also administers grants and scholarships, provides need-based college scholarships for sophomores, juniors and seniors and recognizes extraordinary volunteers who work toward the betterment of the community.

Terri SimonBowl Committee Chair Pam Fuehrer delivers the good news.
Terri Simon has been a Greenacres resident since 1989. She has served in numerous leadership positions and as a member of myriad organizations. Notably, Simon has made significant contributions as Board of Education President and trustee; as President of the Scarsdale Library Board; at My Sisters' Place as Chair; and at Bet Am Shalom Synagogue in important roles including Chair and President.

Bowl Committee Chair, Pam Fuehrer, notes “For over 30 years, Terri’s unwavering dedication to volunteerism and service has profoundly enriched the Scarsdale community. Since shearrived in town in 1989, she has exemplified the spirit of civic engagement and community leadership that the Scarsdale Bowl Award seeks to celebrate. The Bowl Committee is grateful for this opportunity to recognize the breadth and depth of Terri’s extraordinary impact. Her compassion and warmth, willingness to listen, professionalism, and a tireless work ethic have helped steer multiple boards and committees through significant challenges. He guidance by example makes her an inspiring mentor to many.”

A dedicated advocate for education, Simon served as President of the Scarsdale Board of Education (2005-2006), Vice President (2004-2005), and Trustee (2001-2007). Before her school board servie, she worked tirelessly to ensure the district’s excellence, leading key initiatives such as the School District Capital Construction project and serving on the Advisory Committee on Legislative Issues. Simon’s leadership began at the elementary school level, where she was President of the Greenacres Elementary PTA (1994-1996) and Secretary of the Scarsdale Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (1996-1997).

The Bowl Sub-Committee on Sunday night. Pictured L to R: Tim Foley, Terri Simon, Pam Fuehrer, Seema Jaggi, Laura Miller
On the Scarsdale Library Board of Trustees, Simon served as President and took a significant role on the Capital Campaign committee from 2015-2018, to help grow and modernize the library. At Bet Am Shalom Synagogue she has served as President and Board Chair, and helped to guide the congregation with strategic vision. At My Sister’s Place, Simon is a passionate voice addressing intimate partner violence, championing the agency’s mission, and driving impactful programs that uplift vulnerable populations.

Additionally, Simon has served on the School Board Nominating Committee as a member, vice-chair, and multiple times on the Administrative Committee. She has served on the District Capital Construction Coordinating Committee and co-chaired the District Communications Committee for Facilities Bond Campaign. She has also served on the Hoff Barthelson Board of Trustees, and as a chair of the Scarsdale Bowl Committee. Beyond her volunteer roles, Simon’s professional career as a partner at Kehl, Katzive & Simon brought her expertise in business litigation and education law into her community advocacy, enriching her ability to serve effectively.

Scarsdale Historical Society Board Rear L to R standing: Lori Rothman Kaplan, Dana Matsushita, Deidre Michael, Treasurer, Deborah Skolnik, Secretary, Shivi Bansal Front L to R sitting: May Cowan, Jordan Copeland, Vice President, Randy Guggenheimer, President, Leslie Chang, Social Media, Christine Weston Not pictured: Karen Ceske, Seth Kaller, Lesley Shearer
Simon and her husband, Eric Levine, raised their two sons in Scarsdale, where they both attended Greenacres, Scarsdale Middle School and graduated from Scarsdale High School. Her younger son and his wife live in Quaker Ridge with Simon’s two grandchildren. Her older son and his wife live in North Carolina.

“I am feeling so, so honored by this recognition, finding it very profound to be included in the roster of extraordinary volunteers who’ve done so much for our shared community,” honoree Terri Simon said.

The Bowl Committee, a diverse group of 14 community volunteers representing all areas and demographics of Scarsdale, selects the recipient after reviewing and vetting many worthy candidates who are nominated by the community. Following the Bowl Committee vote on Sunday night, committee chair Pam Fuehrer along with Seema Jaggi, President of the Scarsdale Foundation, Tim Foley, Secretary of the Bowl Committee, and Bowl Committee member Laura Miller surprised Simon at her home with the news on Sunday night. Also serving on the committee this year are: Penny Bauersfeld, Lisa Copeland, Warren Haber, Nadine Pepin, Daniela Retelny, Toby Milstein Schulman, Ali Doll Seiden, Rob Tepper, Claudia Uribe-Galeano and Julie Zhu. Sharon Higgins is serving as Treasurer.

Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest said, “Terri Simon truly embodies the best of Scarsdale. Her years of service on the Board of Education and the Library Board of Trustees reflect a deep and enduring commitment to our community. She played a pivotal role in shaping and securing approval for our new library, and I was fortunate to work alongside her throughout that process. I greatly valued her thoughtfulness, perseverance, and collaborative spirit, which made a lasting difference."

The Spotlight Award Goes to Scarsdale Historical Society

Bowl committee delivers the news: Rear L to R: Penny Bauersfeld, May Cowan, Warren Haber, Deidre Michael, Tim Foley, Shivi Bansal, Jordan Copeland Front L to R: Randy Guggenheimer, Lori Rothman Kaplan, Dana Matsushita, Deborah Skolnik, Christine Weston, Seema Jaggi, Leslie Chang
The Bowl Committee also selected a Spotlight Award winner for the fourth year. While the Bowl award recognizes the depth and breadth required of the Bowl winner, the Spotlight Award recognizes meaningful contributions in a specific area or a problem solved after focused effort.

“At a time when the importance of connections and community cannot be overstated, The Scarsdale Historical Society has brought our shared past to light, creating cohesion and pride in our remarkable village. Their work allows us, as neighbors, to explore Scarsdale’s rich history and local stories through a multi-faceted and innovative journey. This dedicated all-volunteer organization continues to provide and ensure a sense of place. It is a truly deserving recipient of the Spotlight Award,” shared Bowl Co-chair Pam Fuehrer.

The Bowl Committee reviewed many worthy individuals and organizations before voting Scarsdale Historical Society to be the 2026 recipient of the Spotlight Award. Scarsdale Historical Society President Randy Guggenheimer was thrilled to learn of the award. While he was not home on Sunday night when Bowl Committee members went to notify him, he and the rest of the SHS Board were contacted by email and then a phone call from Bowl chair Pam Fuehrer.

“We're proud to be recognized for bringing local history to life as a unifying force within the community with this year's Spotlight Award,” said Randy Guggenheimer. "Thanks to technology, there have never been more ways to connect with Scarsdale’s past—including through our films, social media, digital archives, community programs, and our upcoming podcast."

Established in 1973, the Scarsdale Historical Society has been documenting and sharing local history for over 50 years. According to their mission statement, “The Scarsdale Historical Society exists to discover, preserve and disseminate historical information, as well as inspire others to learn about and contribute to the history of Scarsdale and the Central Mid-Westchester Region.” Their broad vision is to change the way people think about historic preservation. “The Scarsdale Historical Society will identify opportunities to preserve our historical record and foster understanding, awareness and enthusiasm of the historical significance of our village and region. In partnership with other community organizations, we will promote and support activities that not only preserve but create history through active engagement.”

Mayor Arest notes, “The Scarsdale Historical Society’s educational work is vital to preserving our shared story and helping residents understand the roots of our community. History matters deeply in Scarsdale, and I am sincerely grateful for all that the Historical Society does to keep that history alive. I look forward to working together as we mark America’s 250th birthday and celebrate Scarsdale’s 325th anniversary.”

In its founding years, SHS renovated the Cudner-Hyatt House on Post Road as a museum. In recent years, local historians have joined the SHS Board of trustees and focused on groundbreaking media to document Scarsdale’s history, including a series of 12 documentary videos exploring many aspects of life in the Village. Through innovative programming, accessible public events, and creative storytelling, SHS has brought together residents of all ages, backgrounds, and lengths of residency to engage meaningfully with Scarsdale’s shared past.

Seema Jaggi, President of the Scarsdale Foundation said, “For the 83rd year, the Scarsdale Foundation and the Scarsdale Bowl Committee are thrilled to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism at our annual Scarsdale Bowl Dinner on April 23. We are proud to honor Terri Simon as this year’s Scarsdale Bowl recipient, recognizing nearly four decades of leadership and service that have enriched the Scarsdale community. Her boundless enthusiasm and warmth have touched countless lives. We are also delighted to present this year’s Spotlight Award to the Scarsdale Historical Society, whose creative storytelling brings Scarsdale’s vibrant history to life for today’s residents.”

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 23 December 2025

Created: 23 December 2025

Last Updated: 25 December 2025

Hits: 810

It’s been another eventful year in Scarsdale — in the Village, in our schools, on our playing fields, and in the thoughts and actions of the many interesting people who call this town home.

What were some of the stories that captured our community this year? A ban on phones in the Scarsdale Schools. A young woman detained by ICE. A community debate about surveillance. A long-awaited resolution to build Scarsdale’s first indoor pool. Protesters at a League of Women Voters luncheon. And the year-long wait for a market to finally open in town.

There is never a dull moment here — and we are proud to bring the news of the neighborhood to you each week.

Believe it or not, we’ve been publishing continuously since 2009 — and we’ve never missed a week. Over the years, we’ve built a dedicated team of paid reporters and photographers who cover the schools, Village government, police and fire, sports, food, events, the real estate market, and everything else that matters to our readers. Though some assume we are underwritten by Scarsdale Village, we receive no outside support.

So, beyond reading the site each week, how can you support this community news portal?

First, we want to hear from you. Please send your news tips, letters, and opinions to [email protected].

Second, we ask you to consider making an annual donation to help underwrite the work of this site. Think of it as purchasing a subscription. While the newsletter magically arrives in your inbox every Thursday, it takes many hours of reporting, writing, editing, and curation to make it happen. Your contribution helps ensure that we can continue bringing you thoughtful, timely, and independent local news.

Donating is simple and secure — and your support helps guarantee that Scarsdale continues to have a vibrant community news source dedicated to the town we all love. Please support us so we can continue shining a light on the people, stories, and issues that make Scarsdale unique.

Here’s the link to donate:

Happy New Year, and thank you for your continued support.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 22 November 2025

Created: 22 November 2025

Last Updated: 03 December 2025

Hits: 1351

How fortunate we are to live in Scarsdale surrounded by beauty, friends, wonderful schools, and our Village in a Park. What better way to express your gratitude than to do your holiday shopping in town and support the local business owners who support our community. This year there’s an amazing selection of great gifts, jewelry, accessories, flowers, books, scent, spa services, food and even cars to please everyone on your list.

Here's what available near home for the 2025 holiday season:

Fashion and Jewels

This season, give a gift with style and meaning. I Am More Scarsdale brings you a curated collection of our favorite cozy-chic layers, winter accessories, handbags and pouches, everyday jewelry, games, and MORE — with gifts starting at just $25.

As a women-owned boutique rooted in purpose, every purchase supports our mission to empower women and give back to the causes that matter most — many right here in our community. I Am More Scarsdale operates as a philanthropic business, with ownership foregoing a salary to donate profits to the organizations it supports
Shop where style meets strength — and make every gift count. I Am More Scarsdale, 6 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, 914-723-6673 (MORE) @iammore.scarsdale

For 35 years, Pamela Robbins has defined timeless luxury, styling our community with a thoughtful curated edit. This holiday season, we celebrate you—our loyal clients and neighbors—whose trust and style have shaped our story.

Discover new arrivals from The Row, Victoria Beckham, Marni, Nili Lotan, and Proenza Schouler alongside collections from newcomers Kallmeyer, Lisa Yang, Highsport, Heirlome, and Extreme Cashmere.

Season Highlights:
• RABANNE- Iconic bags including the new Nano Discs, 1969 classic, Moon bag and Chainmail Earrings featured.

Follow @PAMELAROBBINSNY for event details and explore styles from the brands you’ve come to love — Proenza Schouler, Stella McCartney, and Toteme.

Come visit us at: 5 Boniface Circle, Scarsdale or call 914.472.4033 or visit our site: pamelarobbins.com

Eye Gallery of Scarsdale is filled with the newest styles from Chanel, Chrome Hearts, Loewe, Jacques Marie Mage, Barton Perreira, Oliver Peoples and many more. Shop for someone special or find a frame you will want to wear the moment you try it on. You can also take a moment to book your annual eye exam with Dr. Michael Rosen and his expert team.

Stop by their beautiful new location on Boniface Circle and browse a curated mix of premium, designer frames with personalized service. Holiday perks are available in-store all season and you can walk in anytime to shop with no appointment needed.

Find the perfect gift. Visit today and bring home something unforgettable.

Eye Gallery of Scarsdale, 15 Boniface Circle, Scarsdale, (914) 472-2020.

Holsten Jewelers invites you this holiday season to experience over 100 years of family tradition and craftsmanship. We specialize in engagement rings, custom designs, jewelry repair, watch restoration and more.

Helena Rose: For the person who loves jewelry that feels personal and stands out, Helena Rose delivers pieces that are bold, meaningful, and truly unique. These rings are perfect for anyone that loves fun, statement pieces!

EF Collection: EF Collection is ideal for anyone who wants classic, everyday diamonds that go with absolutely everything. The designs are clean, timeless, and effortless — pieces you can put on once and never take off. It’s the go-to choice for someone who appreciates understated luxury.

Adina Reyter: For the person who loves something sentimental, Adina Reyter’s charm necklaces are all about meaning and personal storytelling. Each charm can represent a memory, a milestone, or something uniquely “them.” It’s the perfect way to build a necklace that grows with time.

Holsten Jewelers, 5 Harwood Court, Scarsdale, (914) 472-4554, Tue - Sat 10 AM - 5 PM

Rocks Jewelry Gift Home: For a unique shopping experience, visit ROCKS Jewelry • Gifts • Home • Design in the Golden Horseshoe. We are a full-service Fine and Fashion jewelry store, including repairs and custom work. You’ll also find more than fifty Home Accessory brands — from Made Goods, Arteriors, Globals Views, and Jonathan Adler. Need help accessorizing? We offer full service Interior Design services, including furniture, art, wallpaper, and lighting. Yes, we do it all! ROCKS is the best place to shop for Hostess Gifts, with a huge selection of gift items starting as low as $25. Enjoy our ROCKS Concierge services. Call, email, or go online... and get it delivered right to your door.

A Hostess Favorite.: Medium Acacia Cheese Board, $75; Resin Coated Cheese Knife Set, $40

These cheese boards blend Acacia hardwood and an eco-friendly resin to create a one-of-a-kind piece of serveware for your home. In addition, these beautiful 4-piece cheese knife sets are made with stainless steel, solid wood handle and gorgeous eco-friendly resin. Each knife is unique. They make the perfect gift.

Make her holiday shine with these elegant Roar Lion Hoop earrings in 14K gold, $3,000. Sophisticated and eye-catching, elevate your look and make a statement.

Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center, Wilmot Road Scarsdale , 914-219-5808

Flowers

Scarsdale Flower Boutique: This year, dress up your home and table with holiday bouquets, centerpieces, Christmas wreaths and custom-made topiary trees from the Scarsdale Flower Boutique.

Choose from orchids, star of Bethlehem, stock, ranunculus and colorful flowers for yourself or as gifts for friends. Bring a poinsettia, an orchid or an amaryllis to your holiday gathering.

Click here to see holiday arrangements, starting at $50 for pick up in store, or $75 for same day delivery. Order soon for Christmas. Call 914-723-0852, order online here or stop by the shop at 7 Harwood Court in the heart of Scarsdale Village.

Scent

Take your holiday decor to the next level with home scents from Scentfluence. Gorgeous diffusible scent oils and elegant ambient diffusers help scent the season in style. Explore our scent library to discover a scent for every mood, style, and gift, including notable authentic hotel scents, candles, reed diffusers, and more (ScentFluence exclusives).

Inspired corporate holiday gifting options. Contact [email protected]

ScentFluence, 22 Harwood Court, Scarsdale | Monday to Friday, 12-5

Books

Bronx River Books: Find your Season’s Readings at Bronx River Books, your defiantly independent neighborhood bookshop with 17,000 titles in stock. Hundreds of thousands available within three days by special order. Plus, jigsaw puzzles, mobiles, puppets, greeting cards, stocking stuffers, cultural curiosities, and gift certificates. In-store and online shopping. Bronx River Books, 37 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, 914-420-6396.

Beauty and Spa

Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology: Look radiant from every angle at every holiday event and enter the New Year feeling like your best self with Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology in Scarsdale.

The Holiday Season has arrived. Not only is it the most wonderful time of the year, it is also the most photographed time of the year. Reunions, parties, travel, events, as well as cameras from every angle. Planning your aesthetic treatments now ensures you look refreshed not “recently treated” when it matters most.

From Holiday “Refresh Packages” including Mommy Make-Overs, Daddy Do-Overs and Grandma Glow-Ups, to Cosmetic Injectable Treatments, reserving your private and complimentary consultation now will ensure you are healed, subtle and camera ready. Aesthetic gifting is the new jewelry, Gift Certificates and Curated Packages are now among the most requested luxury gifts of the season. Book early and look effortless. Call (914) 635-4737 or visit GreenbergCosmeticSurgery.com to learn more.

Wendybird Beauty: Get holiday-ready and glow into the season with beautiful, natural results from Wendybird Beauty, in the Scarsdale village. This boutique esthetics studio is owned and operated by Wendy, a licensed esthetician, who specializes in customized lash, brow, and permanent makeup artistry designed to enhance your unique features and style. Her fine art background and meticulous attention to detail ensure soft, ultra-natural results that complement every face.

Services include eyelash extensions, brow shape and tint, lash lift and tint, permanent makeup (brows, lips, and eyeliner), and rejuvenating facials, as well as complimentary in-person and phone consultations.

Gift cards are available, perfect for someone special or as a self-care treat for yourself this season!

Wendybird Beauty, 2 Spencer Pl., Ste. 7 (2nd Floor), Scarsdale, 914-488-6442 | Text: 844-779-7713 | wendybirdbeauty.com

For over 30 years, Tranquility Spa in Scarsdale has been Westchester’s destination for an extraordinary, life-enhancing experience: a short-term, mini-vacation to focus the mind, relax the body and free the soul. It’s the ideal getaway to enjoy spa facials, massage therapy, body polishes, etc. More popular than ever is CBD massage, the ideal way to experience the soothing benefits of CBD through the skin. Give your loved ones some self-care and relaxation.

Gift Certificates with print-at-home convenience are available online to delight loved ones, family, friends – and yourself! The perfect holiday gift for those that won't normally treat themselves. 917 Central Park Avenue, 914.713.0066, tranquilityspa.com.

Dance

A winter tradition for families, Central Park Dance will return to the Capitol Theater with three performances this holiday season with its 10th annual production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker.

Join Clara on her wild journey through a blizzard of ballerinas into a land of sweets filled with colorful characters and pure holiday magic. Featuring Tanner Schwartz formerly with Boston Ballet & Maisee Anderson formerly with The National Ballet of Canada. Performances December 7th 5:00PM and December 14th 12:30PM & 5:00PM. Click here for ticket info.

Cars

As a proud member of the Pepe Auto Group, Pepe Cadillac in White Plains has been serving Scarsdale and surrounding communities since 1968. Our commitment to exceptional customer service is matched only by our outstanding lineup of luxury Cadillac vehicles.

As one of the largest Cadillac dealers in the Northeast, Pepe Cadillac offers an impressive selection of both Certified Pre-Owned and new vehicles to meet your needs. From the iconic Escalade to the dynamic XT5 and XT6, the refined CT4 and CT5, the exhilarating V-Series and Blackwing models, and Cadillac’s innovative all-electric lineup—including the OPTIQ, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, and Escalade IQ—we have a Cadillac to suit every lifestyle.

Pepe Cadillac has earned Cadillac’s highest honors by consistently delivering outstanding customer satisfaction.

Visit Pepe Cadillac today and take advantage of Cadillac’s Season’s Best Sales Event!
Pepe Cadillac,15 Water St., White Plains, NY 10601 , 914.752.4618, PepeCadillac.com

Holiday Fare

This holiday season, let Sapori of Scarsdale create holiday memories for you and your family. At Sapori of Scarsdale enjoy authentic Mediterranean favorites in their beautiful dining room. Their daily menu includes many of your favorites... fresh burrata, crab cakes, mussels, pasta e fagioli, Rigatoni Bolognese, Pan Seared Scottish Salmon, Roasted Lamb Chops, Chicken Sapori and more. Check our website for holiday details at saporiofscarsdale.com.

At Sapori White Plains, the kitchen skillfully navigates through Italian culinary favorites, like grilled gamberi, steamed mussels, beef carpaccio, Chicken Scarpariello, Butternut Squash Risotto paired with Seared Sea Scallops, alongside a variety of soups, salads and desserts. Sapori ensures that all pastas are homemade.

Whether it's a holiday party or another special event, please contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate your requests. Check our website for holiday details at saporiwhiteplains.com.

Open 7 Days, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve Reservations suggested,

2 Chase Road, Scarsdale, 914.874.5316
324 Central Avenue, White Plains, 914.684.8855

To add your company to the holiday gift list - email us at [email protected].

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Written by: Wendy MacMillan

Published: 17 November 2025

Created: 17 November 2025

Last Updated: 17 November 2025

Hits: 517

Though the topic of the PTC program held on Wednesday, November 12 was sensitive, and the information shared during the panel discussion could feel uncomfortable, the presentation made clear that talking about “Children as Digital Targets” is nonetheless an incredibly important conversation for parents to engage in.

The panel discussion, moderated by the program’s organizers Erika Papir and Rachel Fingeroot, aimed to help parents better understand how students in our immediate community are impacted by online sexual offenses including sexual extortion, harassment, and forgery. The program also provided the audience with knowledge about issues that currently exist in our children’s digital world and with actionable steps to better navigate parenting in these complicated times.

Giving the topic a somewhat softer edge, the panelists shared their information in a more relaxed round table discussion with the moderators posing questions to the three expert panelists who included:

Laura Forbes - Bureau Chief & Internet Safety Coordinator, Westchester County D.A.’s office
Detective Chris Moleski - Scarsdale Police Department
Liza Fahey, LCSW - Scarsdale Middle School Youth Outreach Worker

The panel discussion was packed with important and helpful details and here are some of the main take aways:

-Yes, it happens here in Westchester and in Scarsdale. Some parents might believe (because Scarsdale is such a quiet and safe suburb and the students here are incredibly smart and well-educated) - that their kids are protected from cybercrime. Unfortunately, Ms. Forbes related that her office investigates and prosecutes a variety of abuses impacting our children on the internet. As she stated:

“We're seeing harassment , people texting hurtful things to each other. We're seeing bomb threats and school shooting threats, what we call swatting threats. That is not limited to social media, we're seeing that, especially in gaming communities. So when kids are on Xbox or any of those devices, people forget it is actually the internet…We're seeing forgeries. We're seeing kids who are creating fake social media accounts in order to damage a reputation or deceive other people and certainly we are seeing more than ever before internet crimes against children involving sexual extortion. We're seeing it committed by adults on children, as well as we're seeing it children on children, because there are a lot of times where kids don't realize that the behavior that they're engaging in online can get them the attention of law enforcement, it can get them to be the midst of a criminal investigation, whether they realize it or not.”

Ms. Forbes went on to detail instances of sextortion, sex predation, and child sexual abuse material (formerly know as child pornography) that have happned right here in Westchester.

-How do criminals gain access to children? According to the panelists, criminals will use social media platforms, video games, and even text messages to gain access and start chatting with children. They will then try to establish trust with a child by making them feel special often by listening to the child and showing empathy, showing favoritism, and complimenting the child on their looks, personality, and even their intelligence.

Once they feel they have gained the child' s trust, criminals will then try to isolate the minor and try to gain power and control over them. In addition, they will start to desensitize the child by inserting inappropriate jokes into conversations, “accidently” touching them, and keeping secrets with the child.

-What are some possible warning signs that your child has engaged with an online predator? According to the panelists, children might start to become more secretive…they might turn their device (pad or phone) away when a parent is close by. The child might become more moody or withdrawn. The child might have unexplained gifts or money. And they might have a new “friend” that they are defensive of.

-What can parents do to keep their children safe online? Discussed by the three experts during the program, the Westchester County District Attorney Office shares:

HAVE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE: Acquaint yourself with all the features of social media platforms used by your children. Review your children’s friends and followers and regularly monitor usage.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS A FAMILY ENDEAVOR: Use of social media should be a family discussion, including what kinds of pictures are appropriate to post. Parents should have full access to their children’s accounts. Set age-appropriate parental controls when possible. DIGITAL SAFETY Criminals use the internet, social media and text messaging to harass and threaten people, steal money and property, and exploit children. Additionally, children may fall victim to bullying by one or more of their peers through social media posts or direct messages. Here are some useful strategies to help your children avoid falling prey to this conduct.

OBSERVE YOUR CHILD’S PHONE USAGE: Make sure you know how much time your child is spending on their smartphone, tablet and computer. An abrupt change in phone usage patterns (such as suddenly becoming preoccupied with one’s phone), or changes in behavior or personality, could indicate an underlying problem.

TALK WITH OTHER PARENTS: Get to know the parents of children whom your child is communicating with online or via text. Make sure to establish shared expectations for how your children message and interact with their friends online.

-If you or your child is the victim of an online crime, report it to your Local Police or Westchester County District Attorney's Office multi-lingual tips line (914) 995-TIPS (8477) and in case of an emergency always call 911.

For more information please see the following resources:

NCMEC - https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/resources
Internet Matters - https://www.internetmatters.org
Childnet - https://www.childnet.com
Kidpower Online Learning Center - https://learn.kidpower.org/courses-for-parents
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children https://ncmec.org/home
Take It Down https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/ -
Common Sense Media https://www.commonsensemedia.org/