April 2007 Working Together to Educate our Community about Internet Safety
Internet safety is a critical issue that needs strict implementation among our youth. Cyberspace has changed the way we interact and today’s youth have an abundance of positive, informational resources available at every mouse click. 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 study of teenagers between the ages of 13-17 indicates 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 predators entering the homes of our community and making contact with our innocent children is frightening.
I have an update to report on a bill that Sen. Chuck Gray and I have been collaborating on that would create tougher legislation on Internet safety. 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. After I testified in support of the bill before the Senate Judiciary Committee, the bill was approved by the committee. Most recently, SB 1346 passed before the full Senate. Currently the bill is waiting to be heard in the House.
Attorney General Terry Goddard and I have also been working together on an outreach campaign to local schools and community meetings to educate parents, teachers and youth on Internet safety. I will keep our Ahwatukee Foothills community posted with future dates and times of our presentation as we plan to visit schools in our area. By educating youth and adults – we are doing our part to make the Internet a safe and educational resource.
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 north central Phoenix and is a member of the City Council Public Safety and Veterans Issues Subcommittee. If you have any questions, please call Councilman Stanton's office at 602-262-7491, e-mail greg.stanton@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/district6.
