Social media use focus of ‘Parent Rapp’ seminar

In an effort to make schools a safer place, non-profit organization 4U, along with outside partners are hosting “Parent Rapp” Saturday, Aug 16, from 1 to 6 p.m., at the Warren Harang Civic Center in Thibodaux.

4U is based out of Lafourche Parish and focuses on community development, as well as issues facing low-income families, youth and the elderly. The organization also helps the unemployed and high-school dropouts find jobs.

According to Shondra Streams, 4U program director, the organization believes heavily in developing self-sufficiency among those it serves.

For “Parent Rapp,” 4U is partnering with Tru Hustlers, a Lafourche-based motorcycle group, and the Thibodaux Police Depart-ment.

The event is intended to open dialogue between tweens and teens and their parents, thus the name.

Streams said the use of social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, for example – and its implications are on the agenda. Online bullying – better known as cyberbullying – has increased with the use of social media, extending teasing beyond school grounds. Parents and students need to be aware of the harms cyberbullying causes, Streams said.

“This is certainly a phenomenon that is going on across the United States with young students,” said Lafourche Parish Public School Superintendent Jo Ann Matthews. The school district’s website also includes information on the effects of bullying and cyberbullying.

In extreme cases in America, youngsters have reacted to the cyberbullying by committing suicide, Streams said, something 4U hopes to prevent.

“Bullying is subjective because someone can point a finger and laugh, and that can be considered bullying. But bullying can also be physical where someone comes up and hits someone,” said Thibodaux Police spokesman Cpl. David Melancon. “We have had to make arrests because someone physically abused another child.”

“Parent Rapp” is intended to let youngsters know they are not alone.

“We are going to talk to children about ways to respond because that is an issue,” Melancon said. “Some do not know what to do, and they feel trapped and isolated. They may be scared to talk to their parents. We will provide them steps to take.

“We, as law enforcement, support you 100 percent your move to make an adult or teacher aware as to what is going on.”

Developing the self-confidence to be themselves is also essential, he said.

“We also intend to talk to children about not being afraid to be different or to stand up for the child who is being bullied or picked on,” Melancon said. “Just a simple act of kindness goes a long way.”

Streams has arranged for several children of Lafourche Parish to perform at the event to help promote the message that every-one has talent and no one should feel inferior.

“Parent Rapp” continues to build on another social media phenomenon: sexting. The trend has seen students sending explicit photos of themselves to others. Last year, Thibodaux Police introduced a seminar on the growing problem.

“We have had cases of teens and even pre-teens sexting because they have private cell phones,” Melancon said. “They are taking pictures of themselves and not realizing that once you put something on the Web, everybody gets to see it, whether someone grabs their buddy’s phone or just someone being malicious sends it out. Once it is out there, it is out.”

The presentation will educate youth on the laws and dangers of sending explicit pictures of themselves. The law states that if someone takes an explicit picture and sends it, the sender can be charged with distribution of child pornography. The person who receives it can also be charged with possession of child pornography.

“We want these children to know what the law says about (sexting),” Melancon said. “It sparks something in their minds, and they see that it is serious.”

“We explain scenarios we have dealt with,” he said, explaining that names and similar facts remain confidential. “We hope they go home and remember these scenarios and think before they act.”

Much of the presentation will focus on the consequences of failing to do so, he said.

“What we tell these teens and pre-teens about sexting and everything you post is, imagine yourself in a glass room with your entire school and all of your family watching you. Would you do what you are about to do?” Melancon said.

Streams said she hopes the event helps parents and children develop a better understanding of accountability.

“We have to be responsible with the use of social media and we have to be responsible as parents to watch what’s going on, especially with social media,” she said.

“Parent Rapp” is open to students of all ages. A school supply giveaway will follow the presentation.