Parents: Learn How to Protect Your Kids Online — Free Course in Zumbrota This Week

Cyberbullying isn't just a buzzword; it is the reality for about 37% of teens today.  According to Pew Research Center, it has been reported that about 46% of teens have experienced at least one form of online harassment between the ages of 13 to 17 years old.

Even more alarming is the report by Internet Matters that about 71% of kids who are between the ages of 9 to 13 years old report seeing harmful experiences or content online.

According to Internet Matters, 7 in 10 kids encounter harm online.  Digging deeper, it is reported that two-thirds of parents admit that they don't have adequate controls in place to help protect their kids.

This Wednesday, a free event in Southeast Minnesota is addressing the concerns of internet safety for parents, guardians, and the community.  Below are the details to know.

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Free Internet Safety Course For Parents, Guardians & The Community in Southeast Minnesota

The average age at which a child in Minnesota gets their first cell phone is about 10 years old.  While some safety features can be administered to different apps and locations utilizing wifi, parents admit that this world is moving faster than they understand.

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Keeping our kids safe online is a hot topic and one that I have personally spoken about publicly.  Our family had everything possible set up at home to protect our kids, but sadly, an online math game utilized by teachers at Rochester Public Schools had backdoors in it where individuals were communicating in inappropriate ways with one of my kids.  Online safety was said to be a priority, but we quickly learned this was not in place in the one spot I thought would have the highest standards and protection for kids.  It was my mission to get that game banned at all schools in Rochester Public Schools and ensure other kids stayed safe online.  Even after multiple times being reassured that the specific site was blocked on RPS campuses, months later, I would test it, and it would be back.

If you are a parent, please know that it is your job to fight for your kids' safety.  It is also important to understand the dangers and take steps to learn more.  An internet safety course in Zumbrota, Minnesota, is being provided this week for you.

WHAT: "Internet Safety for Parents, Guardians & the Community" put on by the Zumbrota Police Department

• "The internet isn't slowing down-and neither are the risks. This course focuses on how all of us play a role in keeping kids safe online.  Topics include:
  • online privacy,
  • inappropriate content,
  • cyberbullying,
  • sextortion,
  • and how to have tough (but necessary) conversations at home.

WHERE: Zumbrota Mazeppa High School Auditorium, 705 Mill St., Zumbrota

WHEN: Wednesday, February 25

TIME: 7:00 – 8:00 PM

COST: Free (yes, actually free.)

LEARN MORE: Find updates and learn more at the Zumbrota Police Department Facebook Page