Every day our school-age children rely on the Internet.  Whether it is to do research for a shool project or to chat with friends, the Internet opens up wonderful new opportunities for learning and positive social interaction.  Unfortunately, just as in the real world, there are dangers lurking online.  Adults who use computers are familiar with the risks posed by computer viruses and scammers looking to steal personal information.  But children may be at particular risk not only from these threats, but also from sexual predators who seek out children.

There are many things parents and educators can do to help protect children when they are online.  That is why this Tuesday, April 7, I am sponsoring an Internet safety seminar.  The special guest speaker will be an expert on this subject, Chief W.J. Martin of the Polk County Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Division.

Internet Safety Seminar for Parents
Winter Haven Library
Community Room
325 Avenue A Northwest
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

I believe this seminar will offer important and useful information for parents on how to keep children safe.  If you have any questions or need additional information, do not hesitate to call my Bartow office at (863) 534-3530.

The Student Internet Safety Act

While many parents are educating their children about the importance of online safety, it is important that our schools do as well.  Currently, school districts that receive grants under the U.S. Department of Education's Enhancing Education through Technology (Ed Tech) Program and the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program may use the federal funds for a wide variety of authorized activities.  Those activities include drug and violence prevention activities, establishing and maintaining a school safety hotline, or developing, enhancing, or implementing information technology courses.

I have recently introduced legislation, the Student Internet Safety Act (HR 780), that would expand the list of authorized activities, allowing schools to develop and implement programs that promote the safe use of the Internet by students.  Included in this would be programs that:

• Educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with individuals on social networking Web sites and in chat rooms;
• Protect students against online predators, cyberbullying, or unwanted exposure to inappropriate material; or
• Promote involvement by parents in the use of the Internet by their children.

If you would like to learn more about HR 780 and other legislation I am working on, visit my Website www.adamputnam.house.gov