Parents want to keep their children safe, there is no surprise there. But today with online content being so vast, and with Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, along with chat rooms and instant messaging– how do we know WHO we are really talking to, and HOW do we protect our vulnerable youth? Web Wise Kids (WWK), a non-profit educating youth about safety online is helping with this vital time-sensitive process. Web Wise Kids has been educating children, parents and communities for over 10 years. And now, WWK programs are making its way into the schools of Orange County. WWK program is hitting 87 middle schools to educate and keep kids safe and protected, one focus will be from predators online. The Orange County Register reported the $400,000 funding for OC schools at a press conference at Carr Intermediate School in Santa Ana. Rep. Sanchez and Rep Royce of Orange County, were key in driving this campaign toward safety online for OC children.
Web Wise Kids programs have proven to help children in real life situations against online predators. Just one of the many stories is from Katie Canton-- Katie was only 15 years old when she met “John” in an Internet chat room. They began emailing frequently, and before long Katie thought they were in love. Katie wanted to see John in person and told her parents she wanted to fly out and see him. Her parents became concerned and also understood the delicacy of a teenager claiming she was in love with a stranger. Her parents went to their local police department for guidance. An officer gave them a copy of the Web Wise Kids game "MISSING" and suggested they play it with Katie. After playing the game, Katie realized that John wasn’t a friend, but a child predator. When Katie’s family told the police what they learned, the police revealed John was the primary suspect in the rape of a 13 year-old girl. Katie’s supporting evidence and testimony helped put this predator in jail.
Thankfully with Web Wise Kids programs in Orange County, now even more youth can become educated and learn invaluable tools to remain safe online.
To hear Katie tell her powerful story in her words, follow the link below:
