Seminar to focus on Internet safety

Parents are invited to a special presentation to learn about social networks, cyber bullying and how to keep children safe on the Internet at 7 p.m. Thursday at Larkin High School, 1475 Larkin Ave., Elgin.

Led by Phil Morris, manager of technology for the Kane County Regional Office of Education, the multi-media presentation is the second of five scheduled at Elgin Area School District U-46 high schools this year.

The presentation will include a demonstration of social network sites such as MySpace and Facebook, as well as chat rooms where sexual predators often go to meet prospective victims.

"Internet safety is very important for students, parents and teachers. We all need to protect our children from inappropriate Web sites and activities," Morris said. "In this presentation, we will give parents information and tips to protect their children while online."

The FBI states that online sexual exploitation of children and child pornography is one of the most significant crimes on the Internet today. Despite this, a survey of 9,000 students revealed that 39 percent trust those they meet in Internet chat rooms, while one in five teens has received sexual solicitations online.

The program, "Keeping My Child Safe on the Internet," is geared to adults, but children are also welcome. The program is sponsored by i-SAFE, a Department of Justice-supported foundation that promotes Internet safety in partnership with Kane County Regional Office of Education and Elgin Area School District U-46.

Additional programs are slated for Feb. 5 at Elgin High School, Feb. 19 at Bartlett High School and April 1 at Streamwood High School. All programs will run 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the school auditorium.

Additional information on Internet safety is available online at www.u-46.org/it/internetsafety.htm.