About Parenting Teens: Webcam Spy Lawsuits Against PA School

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Parenting Teens Parenting Teens Teens Today High School 101 Fall/Halloween From Denise Witmer, your Guide to Parenting Teens Webcam Spy Lawsuits Against PA School Have Been Settled The school district, Lower Merion, admitted to capturing thousands of webcam photographs and screen shots from student laptops when the students had them at home. It seems the school had a tracking program that could use the webcam while it was in the teen's room or anywhere else the teen happen to be with their school issued laptop. A Harriton High School student Blake Robbins, brought a suit against his school in February, 2009 saying that the school was spying on him. His lawyer stated that Blake was photographed 400 times in a two-week period, sometimes as he slept in his bedroom. Yeah, the school over stepped their bounds more than a little here. That is what our community had thought when it happened. Now, the settlement calls for $175,000 to be placed in a trust for Robbins and $10,000 for a second student who filed suit, Jalil Hassan. Their lawyer, Mark Haltzman, will get $425,000 for his work on the case. Seems fair enough, but I have to wonder if there will be any charges filed against the school or it's staff? Asking our community of parents: Do you think the settlement is fair? Should there be other charges? Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section. Suggested Reading: Quiz: Is your teen safe online? How to Oversee Your Teen's Blog or Social Networking Page What Parents Need To Know About Teens and Internet Usage Save Money On Halloween Food at Your Party by Having a Hallo You can save money on hosting a Halloween party by asking your guests to each bring a spooky Halloween dish or candy for the party. Give everyone an idea of what type of food - dessert, appetizer, etc. - to bring and gather up their ideas when they RSVP. Give out certificates and candy bars as prizes for the spookiest dish. It is a fun activity and really helps keep the cost down. More: Halloween Party Food | Halloween Costumes Ideas for Teens. Follow Our About.com Family's Thrifty Thursday Parenting Quiz: Is Your Child a Bully? Research shows that bullying can be a sign of other serious antisocial and/or violent behavior. Children who frequently bully their peers are more likely than others to get into serious trouble. Check out the possibility that your child is a bully. New Teen Jewelry Craft: Skull Earrings Spooky earrings that can be made for Halloween or as a favor for a rock band birthday party. Skull Earrings Instructions More: Teen Crafts | 101 Fun Things for Teens to Do This Fall Parenting of Adolescents Ads High School Parenting Teen Military School Co Parenting Class Diets for Teens Featured Articles   More from About.com Is it a Cold or the Flu? Knowing whether you have a cold or the flu can help you treat your symptoms more effectively. More > Concerned About Your Drinking? This short quiz can help you identify whether or not you have a drinking problem. Take the quiz now > This newsletter is written by: Denise Witmer Parenting Teens Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Parenting Teens newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads How to Get Your Teen into College Is your teen confident? Find out now! How to Raise a Drug-Free Teen Help Your Teen Handle Peer Pressure Learn to Talk to Your Teen in 5 Days Advertisement