Protecting Children from Digital Dark Side lecture in Malta on April 18

Predators, cyberbullying and sexting are things we don’t like to think about while we are online or is something that we think, “can’t happen to us,” but to protect our children and ourselves, we need to be aware of these digital dangers and how to limit the risks. On Tuesday, April 18, at 6 p.m. at Malta High School Auditorium, Blaine County Undersheriff and member of the Montana ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force, Frank Billmayer, will present, Protecting Our Children from the Digital Dark Side.

The internet is a powerful tool for communication, business and impacts our daily life. Its pervasiveness and ability to be a strong teaching and learning tool, means that our children spend time watching videos, playing games, reading or chatting with friends. Social media and apps such as Facebook, Snapchat or WhatsApp are commonplace, especially among teens. The problem is that this power is in the hands of those who don’t fully grasp its risks or, those wanting to use it for all the wrong reasons. This presentation will cover some of the most common phenomenon that endangers children and teens while online, and steps we can take to protect them.

Parents, grandparents, family members and guardians this presentation is for you. It is geared to the adults who are responsible for our most valuable resource, our children. Undersheriff Billmayer will be presenting during the school day to the middle and high school students.

Be sure you set time aside on Tuesday, April 18, starting at 6 p.m. at the Malta High School Auditorium, for this critical educational presentation.

This free presentation is brought to you in conjunction with the Phillips County Sheriff’s Department, Malta School District, HiLine Technology Committee, Malta Chamber of Commerce, PhillCo Economic Growth Council, and the City of Malta. Questions, please contact Dina at the Chamber 654-1776 or Ashley at PhillCo 654-5525.

The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force program is a nationwide initiative started in 1998 under the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention. The ICAC program helps state and local law enforcement officials work together to educate the public, investigate cases and arrest those who use computers to prey upon and exploit children.