BHS Parents Brush Up on Social Media

For the first PTO Morningline of the school year, more than 40 parents joined together at  on Oct. 3 to learn about the fast growing world of social media.   Chief Communications Officer, Jeff Arnett, and Instructional Technology Coordinator, Lynn Swanson, took parents on a "virtual bus ride" though the risks and advantages of social media.

"Electronic networking can be a scary world for our generation," Swanson said.  "But if we understand how to control our on-line environment, the internet provides huge advantages for information and efficiency."

According to Swanson, while kids are often more literate in social media than their parents, they don't always understand the dangers of publicly posting personal information.

"Facebook and LinkedIn are increasingly important tools for networking and information," Swanson said.  "It's our job to teach kids how to protect themselves, while taking advantage of everything this new media has to offer."

Keeping smart phones and computers in the kitchen overnight is one tip Swanson offered to prevent overuse by kids.  Working with kids to properly adjust their privacy settings can also prevent unwanted "lurking" or inappropriate posts.

The next Morningline meeting is scheduled for Nov. 15.  Topics and times are being finalized.