In today’s technologically-driven world, cell phones are everywhere and there is a computer in almost every home. Understanding the consequences of using these pieces of technology in ways that are harmful or illegal is important for the development of our youth.

1 On 1 Mentoring, a Decatur County youth development program that empowers local middle schoolers to make positive life choices, held an end-of-the-year event at Bainbridge Middle School Thursday to discuss the right and wrong ways to use technology, share productive ways to spend their time at the library and play games with peers.

The message was simple: spread positivity and use your time wisely.

“It is important for 101 Mentoring to send that message because this is more than a mentoring program,” said 101 Mentoring Director Alesia Brinson. “Of course, we want them to have mentors like we do from our community—we have great volunteers. But we also want them to be informed about what the laws are. We don’t want them getting in trouble. We want our kids to be improved. That’s the whole part of being in this program, so they can be better citizens.”

Members of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office spoke to middle schoolers about cyberbullying, sexting and understanding that things posted on the internet will be there in one form or another forever.

“I feel like we live in an age where technology is all around us,” said Brinson. “It is best to be proactive than to react. When something happens, we want our students to be informed about their decision to communicate on the phones or on the computers. It really is our job to keep our students safe and out of harm’s way from all sides. Who better to inform them than the law enforcement?”

Luke Brown, marketing and programming librarian at the Bainbridge Library, spoke about the productive ways kids could use their time this summer. There are events being held at the library every Monday through Thursday, ranging from chess club to Fortnite video game sessions to Bridge club.

Students can also take part in the Summer Reading Program at the library. Starting May 13, young readers can record their progress during the summer and win prizes along the way, with the ultimate prize being an Amazon Kindle reader by the end of the summer.

“With our outstanding library, which is loaded with information to keep our students with top knowledge, we want them to be prepared for their next school term, all while having fun during the summer break,” said Brinson.

Catering by J Lo served hotdogs and hamburgers for lunch.