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It's 9:00 p.m. Your Kids are Online. Do You Know Who They're Talking To?

On October 26, 2006, the Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet) is hosting its first annual Internet Safety Night to encourage local communities to help kids be safer online. Featured speakers from around the state will be in Columbia for the event, which will also be available statewide via streaming video. The Columbia event will be held at 7:00 at 3215 Lemone Industrial Blvd, Room 130.

"With increased news of Internet predators and other online crimes, it is vitally important that parents and teachers have a united voice in helping children understand the dangers of sharing personal information on the Internet," said Randy Raw, Manager of Security Services for MOREnet. "The goal of our event is to encourage communities throughout the state to raise awareness through the Internet Safety Night concept, and we're helping provide resources so they can be successful."

Speakers for Internet Safety Night include Chris Pickering, Chief Investigator Public Safety at the Missouri Attorney General's Office; Joe Laramie of the Glendale Police Department and the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; Detective Andy Anderson of the Boone County Sheriff's Department; and Officer Jessie Haden Pittman of the Columbia Police Department.

While MOREnet's entire program will be available live via streaming video, the hope is that local communities will get together for the featured speakers, and then host their own local panel discussions to help get parents, teachers and local law enforcement to engage in the discussions. "The key is to make resources available for teachers and parents, and get them talking to local law enforcement and guidance counselors so that all the adults understand what kids are doing and what the dangers are," said Raw.

Internet Safety Night is a part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, with activities planned throughout October. Resources available to parents and teachers can be found at MOREnet's Security Awareness website at sam.more.net.

Members of the media and the general public are welcome to attend Internet Safety Night on October 26, 2006, at 7 p.m. at 3215 LeMone Industrial Blvd., Rm. 130. Please contact Megan Gill with any questions or if you are interested in attending.