Sen. Jon Tester is teaming up with Facebook to host a public forum in Kalispell on Jan. 5 to address the risks of online social media for Montana students, according to a press release from Tester’s office. What catches my eye isn’t just the subject matter but also the list of notable officials who plan to participate.
The release says Tester will be joined by Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger, Attorney General Steve Bullock, Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher and Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Darlene Schottle. The goal is to “help educate parents and teachers about online safety for children.”
Facebook representatives will also be on hand to “discuss how social media builds positive connections for young people and demonstrate the reporting tools available to report improper, threatening and dangerous behavior.”
The forum will be held at the Flathead High School auditorium on Jan. 5, a Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The release states that the presentation will be followed by “an extensive question and answer session.” There is a Facebook page set up for the forum, though the event time is wrong.