On Wednesday evening, community members gathered at Mt. Lebanon High School to learn new and important information on safety, health and well-being in schools. Hosted by the Mt. Lebanon School District, the School Safety Partnership Forum gave parents and guardians a chance to hear from experts in various fields.

“Cyberbullying for Parents” was led by Mt. Lebanon Police Officer Ty Kegarise and Dr. Jason Ramsey, principal of Foster Elementary School. In an era where social media and online platforms play a significant role in children’s lives, Kegarise and Ramsey addressed the dangers and emotional impacts of cyberbullying. They also offered parents tools and best practices to help protect their children from online harm and encourage open conversations about digital experiences.

“When we grew up, our threats were very easy to detect. Stranger Danger was a big part of it …. Always watch out for the white van and the free candy sign, right? While it still exists, that sort of danger is fewer and far between,” Kegarise said. “What we see now is a huge influx of cyber-related crimes, whether it’s a misuse of a device or a solicitation from an older person trying to contact a younger one.”

Kegarise acknowledged technology’s constant evolution. While parents and educators can’t prevent every risk, open dialogue, trust and proactive involvement are the best ways to keep kids safe.

“It’s OK to spot-check and say, ‘Let me see your phone,'” Ramsey said, adding that he implements this technique with his son. “I do want to check what he’s texting. I do want to see the apps that are on there.”

In a later session, “General Safety Tips to Keep Your Home Safe,” paramedic Matt Coleman and EMT Rick Weisner of Medical Rescue Team South Authority shared critical safety practices to protect loved ones. The session covered CPR basics, the Heimlich maneuver, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, severe bleeding control, opioid overdose response, Narcan use and emergency response protocols in Mt. Lebanon.

Coleman and Weisner stressed the importance of recognizing medical emergencies and acting quickly.

“The idea of everything we show you today is: do something. If you can safely do it, do something,” Coleman said. “In an emergency, taking action, even imperfectly, is always better than doing nothing.”

They also encouraged community members to call for an ambulance when needed.

“If you think you need an ambulance, guess what? You probably do,” Coleman said. “If you drive yourself and go unconscious, who’s going to help you? If someone else is driving and you go unconscious, they have nothing they can do for you.”

Topics from other sessions included:

• “Response to Threats in Our School Community,” presented by Mt. Lebanon Police Chief Jason Haberman and Dr. Melissa Friez, Superintendent of Mt. Lebanon School District. They highlighted the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and school officials to ensure a safe school environment.
  

  

• “Fire Safety and Lithium-Ion Batteries,” led by Lt. Kris Siegert of the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department, educated attendees on the risks of lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in smartphones and electric vehicles. Siegert offered key safety tips on handling and disposing of these batteries to prevent fires.
• “Understanding Addiction,” instructed by Dr. Julia D’Alo, Chief Medical Officer at Gateway Rehab, explained how exposure to alcohol and drugs at a young age can lead to addiction.

Along with the presentations, attendees explored “In Plain Sight,” an interactive exhibit that taught about everyday risks that often go unnoticed. Participants were able to identify hidden dangers in homes and communities that could have serious consequences.

Local organizations provided additional resources and support as well. Booths offered information on student work permits, job opportunities at the school district, health services, EMS, and Mt. Lebanon’s social services coordinator. Attendees left with practical knowledge and resources to keep their families safe, healthy and informed.