Sheriff’s Office Offers Online Safety Tips

Washington County Sheriff Danny Bradac wants to remind kids as well as parents to be cautious while online. There are many scam artists as well as predators out there trying to take advantage of young children. Sheriff Bradac offers these tips for children to remain safe while online.

1.) Never give out personal information such as home address, telephone number, parents work information, or where you go to school without your parents' permission.

2.) If you encounter something online that makes you feel uncomfortbale, tell your parents right away.

3.) Never meet someone you met online without asking your parents' permission first. If meeting, make sure it is in a public place and you bring a parent along. Never meet an online “friend” alone.

4.) Never send a picture of yourself without your parents' permission.

5.) Do not respond to any message that makes you feel uncomfortable. It is not your fault when you receive messages like that and it is ok to tell a parent.

6.) Do not pick screen names that give away personal information.

7.) Always obey your parents' rules for compute use. Make sure it is ok before getting online.

8.) Remember people may not always be who they say they are online.

If you have any questions feel free to call the Washington County Sheriff's Office at (618) 327-8273 for more information.