HARRISBURG – To help parents and students better understand potential threats online, Senator Scott Martin is bringing together experts in law enforcement, child protection and student mental health for a special informational session in partnership with Lampeter-Strasburg High School from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 9.
The Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness event is free and open to the public. The event will include a panel discussion with experts on safe use of social media, gaming platforms and other online communication; information on how to address cyberbullying, sextortion and deepfakes; tips for communication between parents and children on online threats; emerging trends parents should know; and more.
Additional exhibitors and experts will be available at the event to provide information parents and students can take home to learn more about being safe online and avoiding potential dangers.
“The threats young people face online are rapidly evolving, so it is critical to ensure the public has the most up-to-date information about the ways criminals are seeking to harm them,” Martin said. “In many cases, young people face sophisticated attacks that are tailored specifically to them. The best way to fight back is to make sure parents, guardians, teachers, coaches and young people have the tools to fight back.”
Martin has played a leading role in creating laws to protect children. He was one of the lead authors of legislation in 2018 that created the state’s Safe2Say anonymous threat reporting system and the School Safety and Security Grant Program. He also co-authored a law approved last year that strengthens Pennsylvania’s sex offender registry to protect children from sexual abuse in youth sports and nonprofit programs.
Most recently, Martin co-authored Senate Bill 1050, legislation to better protect young people against the serious threats posed by child abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Martin’s bill was approved by the Senate and awaits consideration in the House of Representatives.
Martin also previously sponsored a first-of-its-kind resolution last year designating the third week in August as Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week. The informational session coincides with April being designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Registration for the social media safety informational session is encouraged but not required. Attendees can register at www.senatorscottmartinpa.com.
Lampeter-Strasburg High School is located at 1640 Book Road in West Lampeter Township.
CONTACT: Jason Thompson