Without a Trace

I watch "Without A Trace." I can't help it. It scares me, but I love the drama...and the lessons I learn. Tonight I am watching an episode about a boy who was tricked into thinking that he had found his birth father by an online predator. It is television, and there was a happy ending, but it is not far from the truth...

Think your child is too young? Think it can't happen in your home or your school?

Think again.

This is what was sent home in my kindergartner's newsletter today: "Parents can help protect their kids by becoming aware of the risks related to online communication and being involved in their kids' Internet activities. Using Internet communication tools such as chat rooms, email, and instant messaging can put children at potential risk of encountering online predators. It has come to our attention that some students are getting involved in risky behavior involving the Internet and email."

This is a K-5 school. Your kids are not immune. Don't get lured into a false sense of security.

I recently found a great site http://www.saferinternetforkids.com/ and I can't recommend it enough. Your kids may not be old enough to surf the web...but that day will come sooner than you think. This site will equip you with the tools you need to protect your children from online predators, while keeping the Internet safe and educational...the way it was meant to be.

Keep your kids safe. Be smart. Stay informed.