‘Wired Teens'

<p>Tech guru Leo Laporte will discuss how to safeguard one's digital profile and make it into an asset in a two-hour presentation from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 3.</p><p>Laporte will lead a participatory conversation, titled, “Wired Teens, What's Your Digital Reputation?” at Sonoma Academy in Santa Rosa. He will explain how teens' online activity can work against them now and in the future. He'll also suggest ways to build a positive digital image.</p><p>Laporte, a Petaluma resident, was recently ranked No. 12 in Forbes' list of the “Top 25 Web Celebs.” He hosts and produces the most popular technology shows on the Internet (find them on www.twit.tv) and has a nationally syndicated radio talk show, “The Tech Guy” (www.twit.tv/ttg).</p><p>“All of us have some presence on the Internet these days, especially teens,” said Laporte, “but what do people see when they Google your name? Is it something you can be proud of, or, at least, accurate?</p><p>“For all their technical savvy, teens often aren't aware of the image they're projecting in public. At this ‘Wired Teens' event, I'll talk about what their actions on the Net today could mean for them tomorrow, and how to take control of their Internet ‘e-ppearance.'”</p><p>Janet Durkin of Sonoma Academy said, “Last year we filled the house when Leo spoke on the topic of Internet safety and families, and the conversation was lively.”</p><p>There will be a question-and-answer period. The event is free and open to the public. All interested parents are encouraged to attend. To reserve a space, call 545-1770. </p><p>Sonoma Academy is a co-ed, college preparatory school in Santa Rosa. Many of its students are from Petaluma.</p>