Dave and Bill  

Welcome back Nancy McBride. It wasn’t long ago the CyberHood Watch partners got to be a small part in the launch of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s National program, Take 25. And we are glad to report that the program is doing well, be sure to check out the above link. Remember that May 25th is recognized nationally as the to acknowledge the missing and murdered children.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) mission is to help prevent child abduction and sexual exploitation; help find missing children; and assist victims of child abduction and sexual exploitation, their families, and the professionals who serve them.  We are the national clearinghouse providing the resources, focus and information needed to find missing children, prevent crimes against them and help bring perpetrators to justice.

This time Nancy wanted to share with our listeners and our future worldwide listener’s information on their NetSmartz and NSTeens; two exciting sites.

NetSmartz is introducing a back to school campaign with awareness for parents and children which point out that most abduction occur traveling to and from school. This is a time children need to understand they don’t need to be polite.

Here is NetSmartz Workshop Guide to Halloween Safety. Check out the tips for a safe Halloween.

Parents need to make it clear to their children that if they are online they have a responsibility to do the right things. It is the responsibility of the parents to make sure their children understand proper etiquette and what the rules are on how to conduct themselves online.

As always, we like to ask our guest, “What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, Responsible CyberCitizen”? Nancy responded that it is someone who acts in a way they would like others to act to them – part of the Golden Rule. It’s important for children to understand the future consequences of what they do online. What you do today online can affect your college acceptance, your career choices, etc. You will be evaluated by your online behavior not just your postings. Parents need to communicate with their children the importance of what their children do online will affect their future.

Explain to your children how it relates to them and how it relates to their friends, they really do want to know. And while you’re at it talk to them about cyberbullying. Ask your child if he knows anyone that has been bullied online or has he/she been bullied, or have they ever bullied someone. Let your child know they don’t have to react to it alone, get someone else to help – tell a trusted friend.

Be sure to visit NetSmartz and follow first hand Julie’s Journey a true story – you get the benefit of her mistakes and what happened to her so you can become a little wiser and not make the same mistakes. I know your Moms and Dads would be asking themselves; Why – Why – Why! By knowing Julie’s story you get to ask, “What could have been done differently”?

Here’s the benefit, if you engage your children in open conversation, and ask them what they think, you’ll have a chance to listen to their experiences – the more they are engaged in conversation with you the less risky their behavior.

Your concerns are not strangers, “Stranger Danger” has proven to be a distraction. Unfortunately, it's usually someone who is benign and non-aggressive who also cons the adults thinking they have the best interest in their child. Parents and guardians should be fully aware of what adults have access to your children – one of the better places to start.

Be aware of an adult who is overly interested in your child – gifts and attentions towards your child.

When given the CyberHood Watch’s magic wand to make that one change, Nancy replied she would like to see, “Safety as a National priority”. If your kids are safe, nothing else matters.

Given the fact that there are 600,000 registered sex offenders and 100,000 are missing, should be a concern for parents. Be sure you and your kids should visit NetSmartz and set them on the right path to learn and become Responsible CyberCitizens.