Children and the Internet Presentation Offered by Worcester County Child Advocacy Center and Atlantic General Hospital

A study conducted by the Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire found that one in five children between the ages of ten and 17 received a sexual solicitation over the Internet in 2000. Solicitation of a minor on the Internet has become a preferred method of pedophiles because the World Wide Web offers anonymity to “cyberpredators” and allows them to approach children without detection by parents and other caregivers. And there is more opportunity, with more than 30 million children using the internet annually.

On Monday, August 28, 2006, Detective Sergeant Robert Smolek of the Computer Crimes Unit of the Maryland State Police will speak at Ocean Pines Library at a presentation titled Children and the Internet: Are your Children Safe?

During the presentation, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Detective Smolek will discuss the ways cyberpredators are reaching our children and how we can protect them from being victimized. A community response session will be held afterward.

The presentation is offered by Atlantic General Hospital and the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center. A $10.00 donation is requested and pre-registration is required. Seating is limited to 100 attendees. For more information or to register for the presentation, please contact Arlette Bright, Esq., Worcester County Child Advocacy Center Program Facilitator, at 410-677-6800. Registration deadline is August 24.