QUITMAN – On March 24th Brooks County Schools, Brooks County ECHOES 21st CCLC, Brooks County Family Connections and Brooks County Victim Assistance held an internet safety workshop for parents and community members. Two sessions were held, one at 11:30 am at the Agriculture Building in Quitman and another at 6:00 pm at the Brooks County Middle School with a free meal. During both sessions Captain Calvin Troy and Police Officer, Tim Baker provided information to adults about the importance of internet safety for their children. According to Troy, websites such as backpage, pipl, Grindr and scruff are commonly used sites used by children to without parent knowledge.
Troy further informed adults that it is important to be mindful of what they allow children to have such as in electronics and computer usage. Baker provided examples of real life scenarios where children were cyber bullied and committed suicide based on information they posted and was shared with others. Baker further explained common myths of online predators including the fact that many are honest about their age, are generally not pedophiles and are typically men 26 years old or younger. Baker provided examples of how children posting too much personal information can cause for unwanted attention from online predators as well as cyber bullies.
Based on the presentation, many parents were shocked to learn that many of the victims are usually 13-15 years of age and 25% are male victims. According to both Baker and Troy, parents can establish rules and regulations about what to share online with their children. For more information on internet safety parents can visit www.netsmartz.org or to report cyber bullying or more information www.cypertipline.com, 1-800-THE-LOST. Copies of the power point presentation and other handouts are available. Please contact, Janie Jones in the central office of Brooks County Schools at 229-263-7531 ext.2004. Pictured: Parents throughout the district listen to Quitman Police Officer Tim Baker’s presentation of internet safety.
Sharah N. Denton, M.S.
Parent & Community Relations
Brooks County Schools
