MOREnet Launches Internet Safety Website

Today, the Missouri Research & Education Network (MOREnet) launched a new website to help provide resources to Missourians about Internet Safety. Found at http://besafe.more.net, the site includes a comprehensive collection of resources available to parents, teachers and members of the community to help families stay safer online.

"The Internet is such a great educational technology tool, it’s important that people understand some of the potential dangers so they can use it effectively and safely," said Randy Raw, MOREnet Security Manager.

BeSafe resources include information about social networking websites, identity theft, cyber-bullying, online predators, and other online dangers. There are different resources for kids and adults, and some specifically for teens, who seem to be the most vulnerable.

 "Since we provide technology resources to Missouri’s public schools and libraries, we also think it’s important to help educate users about these issues," said Raw. "Even though most schools and libraries have rules in place to protect users, we need to help people apply the same online safety principles at home as well."

The launch of the new website coincides with the scheduling of MOREnet’s upcoming Internet Safety Night event to be held April 10, 2007. A statewide event, Internet Safety Night will connect multiple host sites together via videoconferencing for an interactive presentation from Sgt. Joe Laramie of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and panel discussions with various local experts on Internet Safety issues.

See http://besafe.more.net, or contact Megan Gill at (573) 882-0054 or gillm@more.net for the most up to date list of Internet Safety Night host sites. Media are encouraged to attend. Please contact Megan Gill for more information.