Parents raising teenage children face a confusing and constantly evolving social media landscape where striking the right balance between protecting their child and respecting his or her independence can feel impossible. The best place to start is with good information about current trends and what tools are available for parents. On the evening of January 24, 2018, Deputy DA Andy Pulver addressed parents and children at R.A. Brown Middle School in Hillsboro with a presentation titled "Teens and Technology –Keeping Kids Safe in an Online World" designed to help families ensure social media use is safe and healthy.

The presentation covered a range of topics, from the basics of how teens use different social media platforms to specific instances where social media exposed children to bullying or predatory behavior. DDA Pulver, who is assigned as a prosecutor with the DA's Office Child Abuse Team, is well versed in this area and was able to provide examples from his extensive training and experience. He closed by explaining the most important lesson for parents is that they should know and control what apps are installed on their child's mobile device. DDA Pulver went over options available to parents, what works and what doesn't, and offered other tips about establishing the right boundaries with teens.

The Washington County DA's Office is proud to work with our community partners to promote the health and safety of everyone in Washington County. If your organization is interested in DA's Office outreach on this or another topic please contact DDA Andrew Freeman at 503-846-8671.