LANSING. With the school year coming to a close, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is encouraging parents to take an active role in their child's safety.
During the summer, it is likely Internet activity may increase at home. Parents can encourage safe Internet use by placing the home computer in a common area that allows for observation of the child's Internet activity. Families can also establish Internet ground rules before going online, such as:
- Do not give out personal information like address, phone number or password.
- Ask permission before sending a picture.
- Ask permission before meeting an Internet friend face-to-face.
To report inappropriate contact while on the Internet, call the MSP Computer Crimes tip line at 1?877?5CYBER3.
The MSP recommends parents teach their children to use the buddy system so they never travel alone and always tell an adult where they are going and who they are with. In addition to teaching children to dial 911 for help in an emergency, parents should also advise the child to stay on the line, give his/her name, and speak loudly, slowly and clearly.
Parents are encouraged to create a child identification kit that includes personal and medical information, a current photograph, and a set of fingerprints. In the event the child goes missing, the information in the kit will aid law enforcement.
Parents may also sign up to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves into their neighborhood. Following registration for the free service at http://www.mipsor.state.mi.us, an automated e-mail will be generated and sent when an offender moves into the specified zip code(s).
For other safety tips and access to Michigan criminal history records via the ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool), visit www.michigan.gov/msp.
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