Safer Internet Day: Washington State Patrol Reminds Parents to Monitor Online Activity

Safer Internet Day is February 11 and Washington State Patrol in a joint effort with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, "Together for a Better Internet", is acknowledging the day by cautioning parents to always monitor online activity. WSP emphasizes that monitoring a child's internet usage is the best way to keep kids safe from predators online.

Sergeant Darren Wright highlighted the importance of parents help in combating internet dangers and that having all hands on deck (educators, parents and law enforcement) is crucial for internet safety.

"Internet safety takes all. Parents, educators, law enforcement working together and we're working together for a better Internet," said Sergeant Wright. "The best way to keep our children safe online is prevention."

Sergeant Wright urged parents to be particularly vigilant with applications that have chat functions.

"Anywhere there's a chat function, gives these predators a chance to communicate with children and become a danger," said Sergeant Wright. "Even if its a respected and reputable application, game or something like that, still monitor their behavior because these predators will and can infiltrate those chat areas."

For parents looking to get material and resources,try saferinternetday.org. On February 11th, there is a live stream with internet safety tips. Other available avenues for resources include ICACtaskforce.org and Netsmartz.

Sergeant Wright encourages parents to use these educational materials to share them with their kids and wedge the door open for communication.