SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. –  As local schools prepare to dismiss for summer break, youth screen time is set to rise—and with it, the hidden risks of online exploitation. To help families navigate this landscape, Vista Rise Collective and the Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids (TASK) are hosting a Community Talk on Digital Abuse on Tuesday, June 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at South Tahoe High School.

The event features a powerful lineup of digital safety and law enforcement experts, including the High Tech Crimes Unit of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, local representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

Designed specifically for middle and high school students, parents, and guardians, this interactive presentation moves past basic “screen time” advice to tackle the real-world digital dangers youth encounter daily, and what to do if online abuse occurs.

“Summer is a season of freedom, a time to enjoy the beautiful place we call home. But for many young people, it also means hours of unsupervised, unstructured time online,” said Chelcee Thomas, executive director at Vista Rise Collective. “People who look to perpetrate abuse online are familiar with this timeline. There are concerning communications that can enter our children’s lives through direct messages, gaming chats, and social media. Bringing together the FBI, Sheriff’s Office, and local police ensures our community has the absolute best prevention tools available. Building a safer community for all means protecting our youth both physically and on their screens.”

Attendees will receive actionable, trauma-informed guidance on critical digital safety topics, including:

  • Online Grooming Tactics: Identifying the subtle red flags of how predators build trust with youth online.
  • The Basics of How Contact Occurs: Understanding the specific platforms and methods predators use to reach kids.
  • Safe Digital Behaviors: Empowering youth to set strong online boundaries.
  • Evidence & Action: Learning exactly what to screenshot, how to document digital harassment, and how to safely report crimes to law enforcement.
  • The Impact of AI: Navigating the emerging safety challenges presented by Artificial Intelligence and deepfakes.

“We want our youth to enjoy their summer, but we want them to do it safely,” added Thomas. “This community event is about removing the shame and mystery around digital abuse. We want parents and kids to leave this presentation talking with each other, equipped with practical safety plans.”

The event is free, open to the public, and highly recommended for any family with a middle or high schooler.

For questions or additional information, please contact Vista Rise Collective at 530-544-4444 or visit www.vistarise.org. For more information on TASK, visit https://tahoesafekids.org/

Event Details:

Cost: Free

What: Community Talk on Digital Abuse

When: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: South Tahoe High School (1735 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA)