BY MATT LINDSEY
North Country This Week

POTSDAM — Potsdam Central is taking many steps to educate students about the dangers of social media and its school resource officer wants students to have a trusted adult in mind for when they need help.

The Potsdam Community mourned the loss of 15-year old Riley Basford. He took his own life March 30 after he was told online that embarrassing photos of him would be circulated to his friends and throughout the internet unless he paid $3,500 to the stranger who he thought was a female he met on Facebook.

Potsdam Central School District is hosting state police presentations May 4, 6 on cybercrimes including sextortion, catfishing and online predators.

“It is to educate parents about their kids' social networking and how to stay on top of their use of such systems,” said Potsdam Central School Resource Officer Michael Neaton.

“One important point we looked to make was that students need to have in mind, at all times, who their trusted adult may be, and that they should feel comfortable going to that adult no matter what the situation may be,” Neaton said.

Neaton said that he, and many in the school district were personally affected by the loss of Riley and want to do everything possible to prevent it from happening again, anywhere.

“In my case, I advise the SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Promise Club at the High School,” he said. “We had just presented a "Say Something" Video presentation in early March to all the High School and Middle School students.”

In response to the circumstances surrounding his death, the Potsdam Central School District is taking the following steps:

• They are working with the state police to provide an educational event so parents can learn about the pitfalls of social media and what to do to help keep children safe online. The date for this event will be publicized in the coming weeks.

• PCS hopes to offer a similar program for middle and high school students, however state police presenters are in high-demand right now and may not be able to come visit this spring. A student and parent presentation will be planned for fall.

• Officials are reexamining the district Digital Citizenship curriculum. Currently, all sixth graders take a half-year technology course that includes internet safety. Using federal stimulus funds, PCS is considering assigning a teacher full-time to this area next year to implement a K-12 curriculum.

• The PCS mental health team will work with the NYS Office of Mental Health to evaluate district programs and develop a strategic plan to enhance suicide prevention efforts.

• In all three schools, PCS has Student Support Teams who meet weekly to address the attendance, academic, and social-emotional needs of all students. In addition, PCS will have a district Behavior Intervention Team that also meets weekly and as needed to assess any threats of violence in our school community and take steps to help the individual involved.

• The district continues to promote the Say Something Anonymous Reporting app. While officials hope students will turn to a trusted adult, the app allows anyone to make an anonymous report if they believe someone is at risk of hurting themselves or others. The app may be downloaded for free. Reports can also be made through the district website.

“When I learned of Riley's loss, I searched my soul for something more I and the club could have said or done to prevent this tragedy. I am pleased that the fight against these cyber menaces is being publicized so we can get the attention of parents and students everywhere,” he said. “I only wish it could have started earlier and we could have prevented this loss that breaks my heart.”

If you or someone you know is suicidal, help is available. Call St. Lawrence County's 24-hour crisis lines at (315)261-5395 or (315)265-2422, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.