Audio Transcript

Ms. Ballew: The FBI helps middle and high school students to be safe on the Internet through a program called Safe Online Surfing…or SOS…

Mr. McMillion: “It’s a challenge that students in various school districts around the country are able to participate in, to basically become more aware and knowledgeable about what keeps kids safe.

Ms. Ballew: “Unit Chief Scott McMillion, of the Innocent Images National Initiative, says SOS has a mission to protect children from online predators.

Mr. McMillion: “To identify those individuals, investigate those individuals, subsequently indict them, and then bring them to justice, as well as save a child. Our main focus and mission is always to save that child.”

Ms. Ballew: Parents can help reduce a child’s vulnerability online.

Mr. McMillion: “If the parent knows exactly what is going on in that child’s life, particularly when they’re engaging in an online environment, they can help and assist and identify problems and issues with their child or if their child is approached by a bad guy.”

Ms. Ballew: The SOS program began in 2004 in Miami.  About 70,000 students have participated so far. To learn more, go to www.fbi.gov. I’m Denise Ballew of the Bureau and that’s what’s happening at the “FBI, This Week.”