Pictured here is Presenter Carolanne Bennett addressing those assembled in the school's cafeteria on Wednesday, April 9. (PHOTO by JOHN BONKE/Huron County Press)

Presenter Carolanne Bennett told parents to tell their children not to share any information about themselves over the Internet because 'Internet stalkers' prey on children.

One slogan children should keep in mind is "Keep Safe, Keep Away, Keep Telling." Keep Safe all personal information, don't share any information online; Keep Away from Internet "strangers" - NEVER MEET THEM!; Keep Telling parents about anything that is uncomfortable or suspicious.

For parents, it's: "Keep Current; Keep Communicating, Keep Checking."

She said "privacy" settings on online social networking media Internet sites (such as Bebo, MySpace and Facebook) are no guarantee of privacy because if just one person chooses the "public" option, everyone on their list becomes "public."

Bennett emphasized that everyone should think everything put on the Internet is "public." Bennett said be aware of little details when on the Internet, such as even a shirt or something in the background that might identify where a child lives or goes to school.

Parents should talk to their children about Internet safety, said Bennett. And children should know that they should talk to their parents if they are ever uncomfortable or think something is suspicious. Some people use the Internet to stalk, harass or bully.

Bennett said if a child feels any physical threat the child should call the local law enforcement officials. She said if the person thinks the threat is going to happen anytime soon they should call immediately.

If a child thinks they are being harassed, the child should save the messages to a folder, refuse any and all contact with that person and send the messages to the site that's being used. The site should ban that sender from that site. And, the child should tell their parents what's going on because there are laws against such activity.

Cyberbullying is when people make fun of others or try to hurt someone's feelings in cyber space.

Bennett also encourages everyone to check the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry at www.mipsor.state.mi.us or www.michigan.gov/msp to see who may be living in their neighborhood. She said one parent told her she was shocked when she found out someone living just a few houses away was a registered sex offender.

Parents can enter their town by Zip Code and find the addresses of registered sex offenders in that town. A "Details" link provides a photograph and description of the person and details of the conviction(s).

Another Web site is www.familywatchdog.us, which maps locations.

Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox states on his Web site (www.michigan.gov/ag), "Protecting children from predators is one of my top priorities. Predators today typically use the Internet to befriend, seduce, and ultimately harm children. Shortly after I took office in 2003, I established a Child and Public Protection Unit and to date we have arrested more than 180 Internet predators who were seeking to harm Michigan children. Putting these criminals behind bars is not enough; we must also proactively combat the problem by educating children and adults."

State Representative Terry Brown (84th District, D-Pigeon) said, "The 'Michigan CSI' program is a great resource. I am thrilled that North Huron is hosted the event."

He added, "We need to teach our children that not everyone can be trusted, and we need to put safeguards and rules in place at home. By taking some time to learn these easy steps, a parent could end up literally saving their child's life."

Brown also said, "Parents can arm themselves with this knowledge to protect their kids. We all lead busy lives, and this provides a quick way to learn how to connect with our kids. I am glad our schools and our families are addressing this important safety issue." Tips for Parents: