JACKSONVILLE, FL—As many students return to class in a virtual setting, FBI Jacksonville is warning adults and children about the dangers of online child exploitation, and the potentially increased risk among children who are spending more time online. Parents, educators, and caregivers should closely monitor all students’ online activity and consider introducing them to cyber safety education resources.

To assist in this effort, special agents who investigate violent crimes against children and child exploitation matters for FBI Jacksonville will host a live Twitter chat to provide additional guidance to educators and parents and address their questions.

• What: “Be Smart: Safe Online Surfing” Live Twitter Chat
• When: Wednesday, September 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. EST
• Where: www.twitter.com/FBIJacksonville
• How: Submit questions to @FBIJacksonville using #BeSmartJax

Educators and parents are also encouraged to register students for the 2020-2021 FBI Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge (FBI SOS)—a free, interactive program that can be played at home or in the classroom. Lessons range from web terminology and password security, to safeguarding personal information, identifying online predators, good virtual citizenship and more. Although anyone can complete FBI SOS activities, the tests are designed for students in third through eighth grades. Groups of five or more may also be eligible to participate in a nationwide school competition. English: https://sos.fbi.gov, Spanish: https://sos.fbi.gov/es/

Additional Cyber Education Resources:

• FBI—Protecting Kids: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/protecting-your-kids
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: www.netsmartz.org