Baldwin Library Hosts OK2SAY Program on Cyberbullying.

BIRMINGHAM, MI (September 16, 2015) – Living in an online world filled with sexting, bullying and cyberbullying can be challenging for students and parents to navigate. OK2SAY program personnel from the Office of the Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette will facilitate two concurrent programs for teens and parents about these pressing subjects on Monday, October 5^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Baldwin Public Library.

The goal of OK2SAY is to stop harmful behavior before it occurs by encouraging students to report threatening behavior to caring adult authorities who can help. Featuring a comprehensive communication system that facilitates tip submissions through various means, OK2SAY enables Michigan residents to confidentially report student safety threats to trained program operators who forward tips on to local agencies for a timely response.

Teens in grades 6-12 will learn about the dangers of revealing personal information on social networking sites, the consequences of sexting, how to respond to bullying and cyberbullying, and how to use the OK2SAY confidential tip service. Parents will see a brief overview of the teen presentation, learn relevant research about how students are using technology, and hear Internet safety tips and practical tips.

Baldwin's Head of Adult Services, Maria Williams, says, "We want parents and students in our community to understand the threats that exist for young people who are active online and be properly equipped to respond to them. The digital divide between parents and their ultra tech savvy kids can make it harder for these important conversations to occur. We want to help bridge that gap."

To learn more about OK2SAY, visit the program's website at www.michigan.gov/ok2say. Parents and students can register to attend the programs on the Library's online event calendar or by calling 248-554-4650.

The Baldwin Public Library is located in downtown Birmingham at 300 W. Merrill Street. The Library’s hours are 9:30 a.m.—9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m.—5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The Library’s website (www.baldwinlib.org) has information on how to register for a Library Card and access all of the Library’s services.