For a second year in a row, regional technology leader BendBroadband in Bend, Oregon is bringing a program to Central Oregon that raises awareness in adolescents about negative, irresponsible and malicious digital behaviors. Public and Permanent: Preventing Sexting, Cyber Bullying & Beyond will be showcased at two community events in Redmond and Bend on April 20 and 21.
The award-winning program teaches children how to reduce the risk of being a victim of cyber-crime, cyber bullying and digital exploitation.
“The internet and digital technologies provide many opportunities and valuable information to our children,” says Sonja Donohue, manager of community relations at BendBroadband. “However, it’s more critical than ever that both parents and students understand how to be safe online.”
According to a study from the i-SAFE Foundation, more than half of teens have been bullied online or have engaged in cyber bullying.
BendBroadband partnered with Kids Intervention and Diagnostic Service (KIDS) Center, a non-profit dedicated to the prevention, evaluation and treatment of child abuse in Central Oregon, to bring Public and Permanent back to the region.
“It is important that parents understand internet safety risks and talk to their children about dangers that exist online,” says Kim Bohme, prevention coordinator at KIDS Center. “Adults need to help establish appropriate online behaviors for their children.”
Richard Guerry, author and executive director of the Institute for Responsible Online and Cell-Phone Communication (IRoC2), will lead the program, showing attendees how to prevent sexting, cyber bullying, poor social media behaviors, sexual exploitation, and irresponsible use of apps.
Redmond High School, April 20
Bend Senior High School, April 21
Both events from 6-8pm
$5 for adults and free for children.
“Public and Permanent” is appropriate for children in middle school and older, and an adult must accompany all children. Register in advance at www.kidscenter.org. Tickets will also be available at the door the day of the event. All proceeds benefit the KIDS Center.
