The Lake Washington School District (LWSD) and Lake Washington PTSA Council is sponsoring a parent-education program on cyber safety featuring Seattle attorney Charles Leitch.
With the proliferation of smart phones and the growth of social media, everyone is connected, especially young people. Yet those same young people may not recognize the risks they face electronically, from predators to bullies to bad decisions that can haunt them for years.
Parents can help their students understand these risks but may not know how to talk to them about it.
Leitch will be speaking at high schools this month and next month to help parents understand the risks and how to approach their children about these issues.
Leitch will lead PTSA members in a guided conversation and presentation to help parents understand how to protect their children in what is an increasingly connected world through phones, mobile devices and online social media. The seminar will help parents approach the use of technology with their children so they can help their children understand the risks of electronic activity. Leitch will also address the role of schools and the legal limits they currently face.
“Cyber bullying and related risks in the use of social media and technology is an important topic among our Lake Washington families. We want to provide parents with the tools they need to better understand how to help children who engage in these connected spaces,” said Dr. Ken Lyon, LWSD harassment, intimidation and bullying compliance officer. “We are fortunate to have a dynamic presenter in Charles Leitch, whose expertise in this challenging area for families is invaluable.”
Leitch will provide a lecture and review of the subject followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session.
The cyber-bullying seminars will be offered 7-9 p.m. on four dates as listed below:
Jan. 10
Juanita High School theater, 10601 NE 132nd St., Kirkland
Jan. 14
Redmond High School cafeteria, 17272 NE 104th St., Redmond
Jan. 23
Lake Washington High School theater, 12033 NE 80th St., Kirkland
Feb. 21
Eastlake High School theater, 400 228th NE, Sammamish
For more information, contact the LWSD PTSA office at (425) 936-1215 or programs@lwptsa.net.
