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Authorities Warn About Cyber Safety for Children

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Nov 27, 2012 at 3:35 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 27, 2012 at 8:07 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- As we head into the holiday season, kids are starting to fill out this year’s wish lists. Plenty of them are adding tablets, computers and smart phones to their top picks.

But there are some safety cautions parents should know about before they allow their child to freely surf the Internet.

“Generally, when you get online you have no idea who you are talking too,” said Chad Williams of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.

Whether your child is online gaming, texting or just surfing the Internet, authorities are warning of the potential dangers the younger generations may be subjected to as they travel throughout cyber space.

“The people on the other side pretend to be same age of kids, and they talk them into sending them nude pictures or try and meet up with them,” said Williams. “But being aware of what's on your child’s phone and the parental controls you can use on computers to limit their access to the Internet goes a long way.”

School District 51 says they also take online safety into consideration and teach their students that you can never be too careful.

“I tell the kids that the Internet is like an alley,” said Jennifer Quigley, computer teacher. “You wouldn’t be there in the first place, but if you were, you don't put your name out there, your picture shouldn’t go out there and you shouldn’t talk to anyone you don’t know.”

As technology continues to advance, authorities say it's important parents don't fall behind.

“You should be a nosy parent,” said Williams. “When there is 150 applications on your kid's phone, you have to know what you're looking for, how are they communicating with people that may have ill intentions for them.”

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is teaming up with Crime Stoppers to provide parents with an informational meeting about Internet safety for kids.

It's happening Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Grand Junction High School.

It is free to attend.

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