Yesterday, Tuesday February 10th, was Safer Internet Day and the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office shared some important tips to help promote safer use of technology for children and young people.
Safer Internet day is an international initiative to help foster a better, more respectful online environment.
La Porte County Sheriff’s Office shared that young people are increasingly being targeted; with a common online crime being someone pressuring a young person into sharing private information or images, and then using that information to demand money with the threat of releasing the images or information.
La Porte County Sheriff’s Office shares some warning signs that your child may be a victim to this crime, including sudden anxiety or withdrawal, panic around their phone or social media, avoiding public interactions, and unexplained distress after spending time online.
Parents, teachers, and coaches are encouraged to normalize reporting unusual behaviors, respond quickly and stay calm and supportive, and keep any messages and usernames that may be relevant in an investigation.
Young people are encouraged to not respond if someone online pressures or threatens them; and to tell a trusted adult immediately.
More information about Safer Internet Day can be found online at saferinternetday.us.
