Ephrata youth violence town hall today
The Ephrata School District has partnered with law enforcement and the North Central Educational Service District to host a free youth violence town hall Wednesday.
FILE PHOTO
EPHRATA — Ephrata School District is inviting parents and guardians to a youth safety town hall tonight to address fast‑changing risks facing local students, including online exploitation and gang involvement.
The Youth Violence Prevention Town Hall is set for May 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center. The adults‑only event is free and will be livestreamed on the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Child care will be provided.
District Communications Director Sarah Morford said the meeting expands on last year’s gang awareness event.
“This town hall is focused on preventing youth violence and specifically sextortion, online safety and gang awareness,” she said.
The district is partnering with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and the North Central Educational Service District. GCSO Det. Katrina Ball, who specializes in sextortion cases, will lead part of the presentation. GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said minors are increasingly targeted online.
“If parents don’t know what their children are doing online, there is no way they can protect them,” he said.
The event will cover warning signs, social media trends, how online conflict escalates and how youth bypass parental controls. A question-and-answer period will follow.
“Information is power,” Morford said. “Knowing what kids are facing is important.”
Preventing Youth Violence
18+ only
May 6
6-7 p.m.
Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center
718 Frey Road NW, Ephrata