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CARIE CLELAND

SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office along with Hope House hosted a internet safety class for children and teens on December 2, coveringn topics that are important for kids and teens to understand in order to protect themselves in a world where everything seems to revolves around the internet. 

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provide an online education program called Netsmartz. Netsmartz provides resources available to parents, teachers, and kids to learn more about how to stay safe online. Some of the issues that kids today face include inappropriate contact, sexting, sextortion, cyberbullying, and online privacy. 

Apps that their children are using such as SnapChat, Telegram, Instagram, and TikTok and how to operate them were key points in the discussion. It is equally important that parents have an open dialogue with their children about these topics and create a safe space that their kids can come to them if they do have a problem. 

Cyberbullying and sextortion are two things that have been on the rise lately according to Detective Brian Brown who led the class. Not wanting to attend school, depression, and anxiety when receiving text messages are just a few signs that kids could be struggling with these issues. 

Children and teens should understand that criminals may be able to tell from a picture where they go to school, what extracurricular activities they

are involved in and even what their bus schedule. If someone is receiving inappropriate messages from someone, experiencing cyberbullying or any of the other issues mentioned they can submit a tip to report.cybertip.org. All tips in Louisiana go to the attorney general’s office who then will decide if it needs investigating and delegating it to local law enforcement. 

The training class was presented by Detective Brian Brown. Det. Brown has over 35 years experience in law enforcement including serving 13 years with the attorney general’s office investigating internet crimes against children. 

   Hope House, which has locations in Bogalusa and Covington provide forensic interviews, family advocacy, counseling services and prevention education.