REDMOND, OR -- The internet and social media can be vehicles for negative behaviors, especially when it comes to children. Bend Broadband and The KIDS Center are again offering a forum called "Public & Permanent: preventing sexting, cyber bullying and beyond." The two-hour program aims to teach kids and parents how to stay safe online.
Robin Antonson with The KIDS Center tells KBND News it's a brave new world. "It's very serious. 88% of young teens report being bullied, or have witnessed people being harmed on the internet, smart phone and social networking sites. It's very serious."
This is the second year for the trainings, and Sonja Donahue with Bend Broadband says they hope this year will be more successful. "Last year's event, when we were a little bit surprised that we didn't get more of a turnout, we were commenting if the community heard that there were sexual offenders moving into the area, everyone would be in an uproar. This is really just as important, or a very similar analogy. These predators are in every single room of our house, wherever there's technology." She says those who have been bullied are more likely to inflict self-harm.
The first session will be at Redmond High School tonight from 6 - 8 p.m. The second event is Tuesday at Bend High from 6 - 8 p.m. The event is free for kids and $5 for adults. All proceeds benefit The KIDS Center. Click HERE for more information.
