Internet Download Safety

Did You Know?

• Missouri is 8th in the nation when it comes to the number of offenders listed in state registries. ^{[Source: FamilyWatchdog,LLC]}
• In the state of Missouri, more sexual predators were federally indicted on a per capita basis than in any other state in the country. Additionally, the number of cases prosecuted in the state of Missouri has more than tripled since 2000. ^{[Source: US Department of Justice 3.22.07]}
• More than 90% of both parents and kids could not identify the appropriate authority (i.e. local police, FBI, CyberTipline or an Internet Service Provider) to report unwanted online incidents. ^{[Source: National Center forMissing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 2006 - Online Victimization of Youth, 5 years later]}

What Can You Do to Keep Your Friends and Family Safe Online?

• Learn About the Issues - Do your homework on the latest online trends and the potential risks that may be lurking on the Internet.
• Communication is Key - The first line of defense in keeping your family safe is communication. Talk to your children and know who they are talking to/spending time with BOTH online and offline.
• Protect Your Identity - Regardless of where you have information tucked away in a social networking profile or anywhere else, you need to think TWICE before putting any personal information on the Internet. This includes names, passwords, contact information, as well as pictures that may have the slightest clue about your life, where you live etc. Remember: if it’s on the Internet, it’s NOT PRIVATE!
• Take Action - If you suspect you or someone you know is in danger, immediately contact your local law enforcement as well as the CyberTipline (1-800-THE-LOST). Together, they will take steps to keep you and you family safe.

To find out more about Internet Safety, use these websites as a resource:

• www.icacmo.org - Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force of Missouri, a law enforcement and community resouce for the investigation and prevention of online crimes.
• www.INOBTR.org - INOBTR “I Know Better” is Missouri’s Project Safe Childhood public awareness program.
• www.cybertipline.com - (1-800-THE-LOST) The 911 of the Internet, the resource to report cybercrimes.
• www.ikeepsafe.org - I Keep Safe Foundation’s website uses an animated icon/mascot named Faux Paw the Techno Cat to teach children the importance of protecting personal information and avoiding inappropriate places on the Internet.
• www.netsmartz.org - A national Internet Safety resouce and education program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) targeted children K-12.
• www.webwisekids.org - Web Wise Kids is about empowering today’s youth to make wise online choices, using games and activities.