February 2007 Sharing the Message of Internet Safety to our Schools
The Internet is a wonderful and educational tool that provides a wealth of information at your fingertips. However, the shocking statistics of our youth’s Internet usage reveals a frightening truth - our computer savvy teenagers can be in danger of being contacted by sexual predators when using a computer in the safety of their own homes.
A recent survey conducted by Cox Communications and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of teenagers between the ages of 13-17 reports that 71 percent report having received messages from strangers. An alarming 14 percent of the children questioned admitted having had face-to-face meetings with strangers they met on the Internet, and another 30 percent said they have considered such meetings. The thought of those monsters entering the homes of our community and making contact with our innocent children is frightening.
By educating youth and adults along with enforcing tougher laws to prosecute Internet predators – we are doing our part to make the Internet a safe and educational resource. Attorney General Terry Goddard and I are working together on an outreach campaign to local schools and community meetings to educate parents, teachers and youth on Internet safety. On Thursday, Feb. 15, Goddard and I will be at Summit School of Ahwatukee to spend some time with sixth, seventh and eight graders about the dangers of Internet predators. As a team, we will emphasize precautions young people should take while using social network Web sites such as myspace.com and facebook.com. Sending and receiving messages from strangers may seem harmless, but is unsafe for them and their loved ones.
In addition to this event, another educational seminar will be held at this same school for adults 18 and over only. This presentation will be conducted by Bill Sallurday with IBM. IBM has teamed with an organization called iSafe that has developed the content and materials for an Internet safety presentation. I encourage you to attend this community presentation that will taken place at the Summit School Knowledge Center on Thursday, Feb. 22, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. By raising awareness among adults, we can educate and empower our children to safely and responsibly take control of their internet experiences.
From a law enforcement perspective, I am working closely with Sen. Chuck Gray on a bill to create tougher legislation. Senate Bill 1346 will clarify the existing law regarding luring a minor for sexual exploitation on the Internet. SB 1346 will make prosecution of child luring more effective as it clearly identifies luring as a “dangerous crime against children,” which carries a presumptive 10-year prison sentence. Thanks to Sen. Gray for taking the lead and the necessary steps to enact this legislation.
In addition, the Phoenix Police Department along with the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will continue to diligently work on this issue as a top priority to keep our children safe and target the predators who attempt to steal our youth’s innocence and endanger their lives. Phoenix City Councilman Greg Stanton represents Ahwatukee Foothills and is a member of the City Council Public Safety Subcommittee. He serves on the Board of Directors for Valley Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Arizona’s Children Association and is a graduate of the Phoenix Citizen's Police Academy. Contact Councilman Stanton's office at 602-262-7491 or via at e-mail greg.stanton@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/district6.
