GUILFORD, Conn. — Guilford police aren't just trying to prevent crime on the streets, but are also making an effort to keep those who are vulnerable online away from danger.
“We need to also make sure that the kids understand that the danger is still real even though it’s over the internet,” said Guilford Police Officer Scott Gingras.
That’s the goal of the Guilford Police internet safety workshop for parents.
Officer Gingras said this workshop teaches parents how to keep children as safe as possible on the internet.
“It’s really important that we go over this stuff so parents can be educated because one thing about social media is that it changes so often,” said Gingras.
This workshop comes on the heels of recent cyber crimes across the state involving children.
On Monday, a Hartford man was charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old he met on Snapchat.
Two weeks ago, a correction officer was arrested and charged for allegedly trying to lure a minor on the internet into having sex.
Daniella Giordano, a mother of two sixth graders, said situations like that and the fast pace of the internet are why she chooses to stay informed.
Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines
“I want my kids to be able to use the internet in fun ways and ways to explore things, to learn things, but I also know that there really is kind of a darker side to it and I want to be more prepared as a parent to have a conversation with them,” said Giordano.
Some of the things taught were hidden features on social media apps and strategies for keeping children safe.
“All parents, all communities need to be more aware of what’s going on. It’s definitely generational differences between what our kids grow up with vs what we grew up with or rather didn’t grow up with,” said Giordano.
DeAndria Turner is a multi-media journalist at FOX61 News. She can be reached at dturner@fox61.com.
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.