Wednesday marks a big day for parents looking to take a stand against online child predators.
Tyrone Police Chief Brandon Perkins is promoting a uniquely-developed multi-media kit to help parents succeed in the effort, called Internet Safety 101, which launches tomorrow nationwide.
The Internet Safety 101 program consists of a comprehensive DVD teaching series, workbook and Web site designed to educate and empower parents with the knowledge and resources they need to protect children from dangers across all Internet enabled devices.
Perkins said the initiative, originated by leading Internet safety group, Enough Is Enough, is an aggressive movement toward the many dangers lurking online - a measure the police have deemed vital in keeping the residents of Fayette County safe.
"I've reviewed their web content and found it to be helpful and informative," he said.
With Facebook, MySpace and popular social networking sites as favorite pasttimes for many children, Internet Safety 101 targets a gamete of material to help parents prevent their child from the threat of cyberbullies and other risky behavior.
According to Enough Is Enough, technology such as computers, cell phones and gaming systems have been used to engage children in risky behavior.
"Parents, educators and other caring adults must serve as the first line of defense to protect kids online, but they are often uninformed or ill-equipped to deal with these and other evolving threats," according to the program's Web Site Internetsafety101.org.
Several components make up the program elements of Internet Safety 101, including a Rule - N Tools Booklet, Workbook & Resource Guide, compiled with the aid of relatable concepts for adults to grasp.
The cornerstone DVD & Workbook elements of the Internet Safety 101 program also capture the power of a live seminar without need for in-person training and facilitators. According to the Web site, this enables individuals or groups of any size to host Internet safety training seminars and will point parents towards the best resources, sites, and organizations that offer specific Internet safety topics and resources tailored "You'll find some great information and videos there," suggested Perkins.
He encourages adults to learn more about Internet Safety 101 by visiting its Web site www.internetsafety101.org.
"They also have a blog at http://internetsafety101.wordpress.com/," he added. "Be sure to check out the entries entitled "Don't Forget the Other Screen" and "The Threat is Real"."
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