School District #27 is getting on board with educating youth about the risks and responsibilities of using social media.
After the RCMP reported a suspected crime ring involving online activity of students in the Kamloops School District, including the distribution of child pornography, many school districts are having a closer look for similar local activity.
While the police are not yet releasing the specifics about the material passed between secondary students in that city, a range of charges, including the production and distribution of child pornography, harassment and uttering threats are being considered.
In SD27, preventive measures include holding student presentations and a community event featuring social media consultant Jesse Miller.
The community event takes place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11 in the commons of the Williams Lake Campus of Lake City Secondary School (LCSS). Three presentations will be made for students earlier in the day.
SD27 superintendent Mark Thiessen says an effective live-feed could not be arranged for 100 Mile House, but some Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) students will be bused to Williams Lake to hear Miller speak.
He also hopes to arrange for Miller to speak in 100 Mile House at some point, for those who can't make it to the Williams Lake events.
PSO principal Vic Brett says up to 60 students will attend the event at LCSS and then report back to local teachers and students on what they heard, and what they learned.
"We look forward to hearing back from them and how they enjoyed the presentation."
Brett notes Miller will explain how social media is embedded in today's society and the trials and the trends that are occurring with the online sharing component for students.
"He also is speaking about social media and how it is impacting our homes and how we can produce smart, aware, ethical media participants that build a positive online reputation."
Brett adds it is unfortunate that Miller couldn't speak at PSO, but hopes he will be able to do so in the future.
The evening presentation at LCSS is open to the South Cariboo community – parents, students or anyone else who'd like to attend and hear more about how social media has impacted homes and learning environments.
During the past six years, Thiessen says, Miller has guided students toward communicating an effective and positive message through social media and building an online reputation that will support them in the future.