We also had a speaker from the FBI Computer Crimes Dept. last year for our elementary school. This year, we've asked him to come back to present to parents from our elementary and middle schools. The information he provided was invaluable. Unfortunately, in this day and age we have to be vigilant about our kids' safety inside our own homes.

Glad it's proving helpful, clarks. Good luck implementing all you're picking up.

Too bad we don't care about Katrina victims ......

Tim

I emailed Netsmartz yesterday and got a response today. They gave me a contact in my area. I just emailed him. I'll post what happens. I really love this PTOtoday site. I can vent, share and get ideas. I think this one of the greatest tools for parents.

Our middle school PTO just organized an Internet Safety presentation that will be held at the end of February. We had great success in getting two speakers that are coming to speak at our meeting. One is from the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children (missingkids.com) and one is from the local FBI Computer Crimes Department. Both organiztions were extrememly helpful in getting us information and materials to distribute as well as getting speakers to come and speak with our group for FREE!!! I just called both organiztions, told them what we wanted to do and ask for their help. They were more than willing to help me. It's an important issue and they want parents and kids to be educated about internet safety and the dangers of internet predators. The NCMEC also is going to bring information about a program called NETSMARTZ that is a program that can be used district wide to educate our kids on internet safety and provide some safety enhancements. I would suggest calling them and your local FBI. I'll let you know how the meeting goes. We have really been spreading the word throughout our district and we are hoping for a big turnout.

I just emailed our sheriff's department and the police department to see if they do that kind of presentation. I'll let you know what replies I get.

What a great idea! My 11 yo has recently started talking to people online, and although I know to monitor his conversations, I wonder if other parents do, too. Even if you can't get someone to come to your school, you could research the topic and do some kind of presentation. I recently saw a Dateline, I think it was, show on internet predators and the number that is out there is horrifying--something like 50,000 at any one given time.