Do you know what your children are doing on their cell phones?
Do you worry about them getting themselves into trouble?
Do you want to talk to them about how much time they spending on their phones, but don't have a clue about social media, devices and lingo?
Then you will want to make your way to Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) gymnasium on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.
Crime Stoppers of the South Cariboo is hosting the free social media Awareness session with keynote speaker Jessie Miller talking about the Social Media community and safe use of the Internet media.
Crime Stoppers spokesperson Darrel Warman says this event is a must-see for parents, grandparents, other caregivers and the general public because Miller will be talking about parenting the social media generation and being a part of positive change and not negative awareness.
The South Cariboo Crime Stoppers members decided to bring Miller to 100 Mile House after local president Marg Sarich heard him talk at the provincial Crime Stoppers annual general meeting, Warman explains.
"She felt there was a need to bring him to this community to create Internet and Social Media awareness for youth and their parents.
"We're being proactive rather than reactive so parents can see what they can do to guide their kids."
Miller says he will inform folks about the current climate of social media concerns in British Columbia and specifically to 100 Mile House and area.
"The presentation will highlight usage trends, mobile tech behaviours, techniques to introduce positive usage behaviours, and parenting tips to address the tech concerns within the home and from peer groups."
Miller says youth are becoming broadcasters when they are using their social media devices.
"So parents [and other caregivers] need to know what they are broadcasting.
For instance, they could be letting friends know they are on a family vacation and that would be good news for people who like to break into homes.
"You have to make them aware ... it's not just their 'friends' that view their information online."
The use of social media can be dangerous as it could lead to porn sites and the possibility of being lured in by predators.
Equally concerning is the possible significant consequences for uninformed youth who share and/or distribute pornography – it could lead to criminal charges and destroy future opportunities for scholarships and/or jobs.
Youth may not intend to relay or share a message, but once it's done, the damage is done and it's too late.
These are some of the reasons parent, grandparents and caregivers should take the time to take in Miller's presentation at the PSO gym on Dec. 14, starting at 7 p.m.
Tea, coffee and goodies will also be served.
Talking to youth
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO), the PSO Parents Advisory Committee and the Crime Stoppers of the South Cariboo are sponsoring Miller's visit in 100 Mile House, Dec. 14-15.
He will be talking to the PSO student population on Dec. 14.
Miller says the events will deal with online content management, the impacts of participating online without regard for kindness, laws and expectations set by family and schools.
