The City of St. Petersburg is organizing a series of “Real Talk About Teens & Social Media Safety” information sessions throughout May. These sessions, conducted by the St. Pete Police Department in partnership with the St. Pete Parks and Recreation Department and St. Pete Community Support Hubs, are designed to help parents, caregivers, and guardians understand and manage social media risks for teens.
“Social media is a huge part of teens’ day-to-day lives; and parents, caregivers, and guardians are often the first line of defense when it comes to protecting teens on social media,” stated Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. He emphasized the importance of these sessions in supporting adults to assist young people in processing their online experiences, aligning with his focus on education, youth opportunities, and neighborhood safety.
St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway noted, “Nearly all teens are on social media every day, and while it’s a great way to stay connected, it also comes with risks.” He stressed the need for both teens and parents to recognize and navigate online dangers.
The city has scheduled four sessions, each taking place on a Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at different venues in St. Petersburg:
– May 1 at JW Cate Recreation Center
– May 8 via Virtual Session (registration required)
– May 15 at Roberts Recreation Center
– May 22 at Childs Park Recreation Center
These events aim to provide practical tools for parents and caregivers. Each session includes a presentation, a Q&A session, and resources for participants. City staff and partners will facilitate discussions and offer strategies for safe social media use.
Attendance is encouraged, and no registration is needed for in-person sessions. Additional details and resources are accessible at www.stpete.org/RealTalk.
