By Jaime North, January 26, 2007

LEWISBURG — Caitlin Stine and Destinee Koons enjoy chatting about music, boys and the latest trends.

They often do it on the Internet, typing feverishly on AOL Instant Messenger or blogging on their MySpace pages. Realizing the growing number of online predators, the two Lewisburg Area High School juniors are aware of the dangers associated with the Internet.

“I never give out any personal information, especially where I live,” Caitlin said. “I don’t even tell people I live in Pennsylvania. Those who know me, know who I am on the Internet.”

Destinee added, “I don’t even respond to weird messages, or anything that looks creepy. I try to keep things within my circle of friends.”

Even with several years of experience maneuvering online, both girls came away surprised Thursday by the Internet safety presentation given by Tom Corbett, state attorney general, who continued his statewide campaign Operation Safe Surf at the Lewisburg school.

A public presentation geared toward parents was given Thursday night.

“Just 10 years ago, the world was a different place,” Mr. Corbett said. “When kids heard www, they would say World Wide Wrestling. Today, when kids hear www, they immediately say dot.”

He added, “Parents used to use the term ’stranger danger’ in teaching children to avoid strangers. Today, the strangers find the children — not in the park — but from their couch through their computer.” Read more.

OSA Editorial Comments:

Thanks everyone! I have thought many times how we can all make a real difference in the world with the power of our websites. And this is one way, if this ebook even helps one family protect there child, it’s been worth every minute of the last six months and more, writing Dont Take Candy From Strangers!

Dont Take Candy From Strangers page

Your Online Security Authority
Bill Wardell

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