Kent schools start Aug. 30 and U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan is kicking off the new school year across Western Washington by reminding parents and guardians of things they can do to keep their children safe online.
While computers, smart phones and game consoles can have great benefits, parents need to know the risks they bring and talk to their kids about it, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office media release.
Cyber safety for elementary and middle school children is a critical concern. Recent data indicates 13 percent of elementary school children have received some type of sexual solicitation or approach through the internet. In the state of Washington that would translate to almost 60,000 of the 400,000 elementary aged children.
“We need to protect our kids in the virtual world,” said Durkan, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington. “Modern technology gives us many ways to learn and stay connected. But it can also make our children vulnerable to predators and con artists. Social pressures can also lead to bullying, or to behavior with criminal consequences kids don’t fully understand. I urge parents and guardians to take this opportunity before school starts to talk to their kids about cyber safety. Set some ground rules and make sure you know what your child is doing online.”
The U.S. Attorney is sending information sheets to public and private elementary and middle schools in Western Washington so that they can be printed and placed in the first day packets of information that go home with students, or posted on the school website. The information has a link to www.netsmartz.org – a great resource for families wanting information about all types of cyber security.
Over the past year law enforcement in Western Washington has investigated cases of sex offenders and others using the internet, including social media and games, to disguise their identities and troll for young victims. Cyber bullying, identity theft and financial fraud can also victimize families via the internet.
The materials sent to the schools can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website at http://www.justice.gov/usao/waw/Programs/psc.html. This fall the U.S. Attorney’s Office will join with federal law enforcement experts and local PTSA organizations to sponsor information nights where parents and guardians can get more information on cyber security.
Internet, Mobile Phones, and Texting Safety Tips for Kids
• Do not post personal information online (name, age, birth date, address,
telephone number, or school name). This information can be used by others to
find out where you and your family live.
• Do not post your picture or pictures of your family online – they can be copied or
changed or used to find you.
• Do not send any inappropriate photo or message by email or text.
• Do not post your plans and activities in a chat room or on your personal website.
• Do not post entries that make it clear that no one is at your home.
• Do not communicate with someone who has made you uncomfortable or afraid.
Tell your parents or a trusted adult if someone does.
• Do not join online groups or games without talking to your parents.
• Do not meet with someone you met online without first telling your parents or
guardian.
• Do not post hurtful or inappropriate messages. If someone else posts hurtful or
inappropriate messages — do not respond, but do tell a teacher, parent or other
adult.
• Do not click on any link that you do not know, and you are not sure is legitimate.
• Do not buy any “apps” or “in app” purchases without talking to your parents or
guardian.
• Do not enable any location services without talking to your parents or guardian.
• Do remember that people can lie online and say they are something they are not.
Someone who says they are a 12-year-old girl could really be an older man
looking to harm you.
• Do save messages that upset you and show them to your parents.
• Do share your password with your parents.
• Do visit www.netsmartz.org to learn more about Internet safety.
Internet, Mobile Phones, and Texting Safety Tips for Parents
• Do teach your child not to post identifying information on the Internet.
• Do set a limit for how much time your child can spend online.
• Do keep the computer in a public room in the house. Do not have an Internetconnected computer in your child’s bedroom.
• Do utilize parental controls provided by your Internet Service Provider and/or
blocking software. (Contact your Internet ISP if you have questions).
• Do talk to your children about purchasing “in app” products.
• Do talk to your child about using any location services on their device.
• Do periodically review your child’s computer, emails and messages. You
should have all of your children’s passwords.
• Do spend time with your child online. Have them show you their favorite
online destinations. Get to know your child’s online friends as you would
their real-life friends. Learn to navigate the web.
• Do know who they text and email. Most providers have online ways to
identify frequent contacts so you can see if someone new appears as a
contact.
• Do monitor your child’s access to the Internet and texting.
• Do talk to your child about the danger of Internet predators.
• Do watch for unexplained changes in your child’s behavior.
• Do NOT hesitate to seek help from law enforcement if you think a predator
may be targeting your child.
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