Police Chief's Lacey Social Media Seminar Slated For Wednesday Night

by Patricia A. Miller

Lacey Police Chief David A. Paprota was hoping for a larger turnout at a social media seminar for parents on last Wednesday night.

Twenty-nine parents showed up at the Mill Pond Elementary School to learn about teenagers and the use of social media and the internet. The program included real-life examples of what Lacey teenagers are exposed to in the digital age.

Some parents were concerned that the program was held at the same time as other events, like sports, award ceremonies and club meetings, the chief said.

"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, Paprota said. "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."

But parents will have another chance this week. The next seminar will be held at 6:30 p.m. on May 18 at the Lacey Township Middle School. Parents from any of the district schools are invited to attend, the chief said.

No children are permitted to attend the presentation and no recordings of the event are permitted either, due to the content, Paprota said.

"Some parents have suggested that the presentation be posted online," he said. "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."

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.