Protect Young Eyes Presentation for Union County Parents
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, September 9th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from Union County Safe Communities Coalition) The internet provides an incomprehensible wealth of information and easy access to practically any conceivable topic. However, safely navigating the virtual space and regulating one’s online exposure can be challenging, especially for those inexperienced with the more dangerous aspects of the web. To reign in the issue of problematic youth internet and technology usage, the Union County Safe Communities Coalition, in cooperation with the District Attorney, will be presenting the Protect Young Eyes program.
Protect Young Eyes is part of a greater informational youth conference to be held for all of Union County’s seventh Graders on September 15. In preparation for the main conference, Protect Young Eyes will present directly to parents on the evening prior.
Protect Young Eyes aims to help inform parents on the general effects, patterns and risks of internet and technology usage among youth and what they can do to stay safe. The official PYE statement reads, “Parents are afraid of what their kids might experience online. At PYE, our research, education, and advocacy give families practical solutions, so that they are prepared, balanced, and protected online.”
Notably, the goal is not to preach a narrative of strict condemnation toward the internet and social media but to inform parents as to why their children are interested in the online space, how they interact with it, the influence parents have on these practices (both intentional and unintentional) and the steps parents can take to keep their children safe in the digital age.
More specific talking points include understanding the specific devices and methods used to connect to the internet, how to have informative conversations over internet and tech safety as a family along with the mental health implications associated with online use trends, among others.
The parental presentation will be held September 14 in the La Grande High School auditorium. The doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. Materials and notes will be provided.
