Free Community Event in Roseburg to Address Online Safety and Youth Exploitation

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Parents, caregivers, and community members are invited to learn more about the risks young people face online during a free educational event in Roseburg on Thursday, October 22.

The Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force, along with several community partners, will host "Behind the Screen: Online Safety & Predator Prevention" from 6 to 8 p.m. at Garden Valley Church, located at 3047 Garden Valley Road in Roseburg.

The event is designed to help adults better understand the warning signs of online exploitation, recognize potential risks, and learn ways to protect young people as they navigate social media, messaging platforms, and other online spaces.

Attendees will hear about key indicators and risk factors associated with online exploitation, as well as local trends and cases that illustrate how these issues affect communities in Douglas County.

Detective Kevin Taggart of the Myrtle Creek Police Department will be a featured speaker, discussing current challenges and potential solutions related to online safety and protecting teenagers from exploitation.

Organizers hope to provide families and community members with information they can use to recognize concerning situations, have conversations with young people about online safety, and better understand the dangers that can exist behind everyday digital interactions.

The event is being presented through a partnership involving the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force, CHI Mercy Health's Mercy Foundation, Garden Valley Church, and the Myrtle Creek Police Department.

Admission is free, and the event is open to community members interested in learning more about youth safety and exploitation prevention.

Those seeking additional information can contact Marion Pearson at 541-677-6531 or by email at marion.pearson@commonspirit.org.