September 26, 2011
The LaGrange Police Department Criminal Investigations Section, an affiliated agency of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, would like to remind parents of the inherent dangers that face their children in the ever evolving virtual and/or cyber world. With the upcoming start of a new school year the LaGrange Police Department’s ICAC affiliated task force would like to remind parents of a few tips to assist in safe guarding their children, their identity, and their children’s identities in an online environment.
Educate yourself relating to the internet, what types of devices can be used to access the internet, and what types of other electronic devices can be utilized for communication purposes through electronic means. This will include such items as cell phones, PSP, Nintendo DS, and other such entertainment devices.
Communicate to your children what you expect as appropriate online activity, outline how you expect them to respond in the event that any issues arise while they are online, where electronic devices are allowed to be utilized within your home, and basically establish general rules and consequences for any violations of your “use plan”.
Be vigilant in the monitoring of online activity by your children. Protect your computer with reputable anti-virus and anti-spyware software, utilize parental control software that allows you to block inappropriate content, and restrict and/or monitor the amount of time that members of your home are online.
Know your children’s friends both online and offline and communicate to them the inherent dangers of talking to unknown individuals. Remind them that the people they talk to online may not be who they appear to be. The LaGrange Police Department would like to remind parents that they are the greatest asset to protecting their children online and their involvement with their children is of the utmost importance in protecting children from online dangers.
If you have any questions relating to online safety and/or a desire to learn more about online safety for children and parents you may contact Detective William Nelson (706) 883-2688 or Detective Chris Pritchett at (706) 883-2673.