Social Media Presentation Completed at Mill Pond School – Wednesday, May 11, 2016 – Lacey Township Police Department

Department News – The Lacey Township Police Department completed a presentation last night (5/11/2016) at the Lacey Mill Pond School focusing on teen’s and the use of social media and the Internet. The presentation included vivid, real-life, local examples as to what the youth of Lacey are exposed through their use of many of the most popular forms of social media. The next opportunity to attend the presentation is Wednesday, May 18th at the Lacey Middle School beginning at 6:30 p.m. sharp. Due to the relatively low turn out (29 of 1,200+ parents) at last night’s presentation, we are confident that we have capacity at the Middle School to invite parents from any of the schools in the district (not just the Middle School) to the presentation on Wednesday, May 18th. All Lacey parents are invited.

Some parents expressed concern with the presentation(s) being scheduled at the same time as some other events (sports, award ceremonies, club meetings, etc.). Unfortunately, that is true of any time of the day or night in scheduling an event. It is also worthy of note that prior to the last night’s presentation, I was advised by representatives from other municipalities that when they have offered similar presentations, generally they experienced no more than 5 to 12 parents in attendance. While expectations were low for attendance last night, I was pleased that 29 parents were able to attend. With over 8,000 parents of Lacey students in the district, I am confident that we can defy the norms and have exceptional attendance at next Wednesday’s presentation at the Middle School.

Due to the content, no children are permitted at the presentation. Likewise, no recording of the presentation is permitted either. Some parents have suggested that the presentation be posted online. That will not happen as information discussed in the presentation is inappropriate for teens. Drug awareness and education with teens can be counterproductive if it involves further educating teens on how to obtain and use illegal drugs. This in-presence presentation is for parents only. Parents who attend will also receive a Social Media and Internet Awareness brochure authored by Chief Paprota as well as a Parents Guide to Online Safety sponsored by the Lacey Municipal Police Foundation.   – Chief David A. Paprota, Ed.D.