Child Internet Safety

In a recent national survey one out of seven children, ages 10 through 17 receive some-type of online sexual solicitation.

Online Safety Rules for Parents

  • The best place for a family computer would be the family room: Not a child's room or remote area of the home.
  • Parents should post easy to read house rules on or near the computer monitor and supervise your child's online activity. (Also purchase software that can monitor your children's online activities).
  • Don't give out personal information online that can lead to your identity.
  • The child's screen name and profile shouldn't reveal their name and age. (This gives Internet predators' potential identifying information on the child)
  • Sit down with your child and learn who they have been communicating with online and have them show you how their accessing the different websites and or chat rooms.

Additional Sources

Additional sources for information are available from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:

Cyber Tipline

If the public wants to report Internet online crimes, they can contact the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office directly or Cyber Tipline. This is run by the National Center and all local leads are sent to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.

School Resource Deputies

All St. Lucie county Sheriff's Office School Resource Deputies are trained in teaching children Internet Safety in our schools.

Internet Safety Presentation

If anyone would like an Internet Safety presentation for their community they may contact Detective Christopher Newman of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office by calling 772-462-3230.