DECATUR -- The rise of the Internet in the mid '90s opened up the information highway to the world. Its advances continue to provide access to a virtually unlimited supply of information. The Internet has revolutionized the way we see the world.
In spite of all the good ways the Internet has improved our daily lives, there is a darker, more sinister side that allows people to prey on our youth.
Carol Robinson from the Arkansas Attorney General's Office presented a program on Internet safety to students and to parents at Northside Elementary in Decatur on Oct.6.
In her presentation, Robinson talked about the dangers that children face every time they log onto the Internet or text over a mobile device.
Every day children become unwitting victims of Internet predators and with disastrous consequences, she said.
Robinson suggested that parents take a more active role in their children's Internet use, have an open line of communication with their children and let them know that if there is someone making them feel uncomfortable they can come to parents and talk about it and get help if needed.
One of the inherent dangers to children is online requests for personal information. Many young people have been kidnapped or have lost their lives by providing their full names, addresses or phone numbers. It is wise to teach children to recognize when someone is asking too many questions.
The Keys to Safety program sponsored by Dustin McDaniel, Arkansas Attorney General, and The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force provides information on preventing children from becoming victims.
They warn children to "Be suspicious of anyone who wants to know too much about you. Think about the potential dangers." (Key to Safety brochure)
Here are some more tips that parents and children should remember when going online (provided by the Keys to Safety program, Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel): Don't provide personal information online.
Remember: Anything you share online becomes public.
Don't send a picture to someone you do not know.
Never assume the person you are talking to online is really who they say they are.
Never agree to a face-to-face meeting with someone you've met online.
Don't respond to mean or threatening messages.
If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, tell someone.
It is up to the parents to keep their children out of harm's way when online. The key is communication. Parents need to know just what content their child is viewing and with whom they are communicating. Use of parental controls available through Internet providers is a good tool to monitor Internet use.
Parents who feel their child has received threatening, sexually explicit or other inappropriate messages or photographs are advised to report it immediately to local law enforcement or go to www.cybertipline.com.
General News on 10/22/2014