According to a report about online victimization produced in 2000 by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), 20 percent of children, ages 10 to 17, who use the Internet have received a sexual solicitation online. In addition, 14 percent freely give out their E-mail address and 29 percent freely give out their home address if asked. The report also states that most children are willing to meet an Internet friend face-to-face without a parent’s knowledge.

"Although it is a valuable resource and learning tool, the Internet also provides predators with almost unhindered access to children," said Sergeant Trudy Rampy, MSP Prevention Services Section. "The U.S. Department of Justice estimates 77 million American children, ages 10 to 17, use the Internet and keeping them safe is our responsibility as parents, educators, and law enforcement officers."

Parents can help practice Internet safety at home by placing the home computer in a common area allowing for observation of users’ Internet activity. Families can also establish Internet use ground rules before going online, such as:

• Do not give out personal information like address, phone number, or password.
• Ask permission before sending a picture.
• Ask permission before meeting an Internet friend face-to-face.
  

Additional Internet safety educational materials and resources for parents can be found online at www.webwisekids.org, www.ikeepsafe.org, and www.missingkids.com.