Keeping kids safe on the Internet is subject on Lake County seminar

That students rely heavily on technology to interact is not surprising. But do parents really know what their children are up to?

"I think a lot of parents probably aren't well-informed about how kids use the Internet," says Buzz Perry, director of communication education and grant management for Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128.

Spreading the word has been the problem. Two previous public class offerings on the subject were canceled for lack of interest. Thinking the $25 fee may have been a factor, District 128 is trying again at no charge.

"Lost in Translation" is scheduled for Thursday, April 22, and "Social Networking Sites: A Parent's Guide, is on Thursday, April 29. Both are at 7 p.m. at Vernon Hills High School, 145 Lakeview Parkway.

"This is so important to parents and kids (that) I'm going to tweak this and make it absolutely free," Perry said. The district has offered the classes internally, but these are open to anyone in the area who is interested.

"Whenever I do these classes, parents are, 'Wow, this is great,'" said Jim Koch, school resource officer at Vernon Hills High School.

A detective with the Vernon Hills Police Department, Koch also is the resident computer forensics expert and is on the attorney general's task force involving crimes against children.

"I think there's a real lack of awareness with the capabilities of technology these days," he said.

The first class is designed to give parents a clue to the "secret code" kids have developed to communicate and turn to friends or the Internet, rather than their parents, for advice with problems.

This can leave parents in the dark regarding their kids' mental health and well being, according to District 128. The class also reviews potential dangers including cyberbullying and Internet addiction.

The second class is designed to inform parents of hidden dangers on the Internet and show them how to safeguard their children from predators and other potential problems.

Both classes are free but registration is required. Visit comed128.org or call (847) 932-2176 to register.