The Winston Salem Police Department Crime Prevention Unit has an educational program available to citizens of Winston Salem that discusses internet safety and how it applies to children and parents.  The program talks about the advantages of the internet as well as the disadvantages.  The program outlines some dangers associated with internet use such as:

• Potential of solicitation or exploitation of children by unknown people.
• Viruses and Hacks from infected sites or unprotected computers accessing the internet.

The program also focuses on general safety tips such as:

• Never give out your real name
• Never  share a password with anyone
• Never post pictures of yourself online
• If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe online, tell an adult

The program also educates parents on way to be involved in their child’s online activity.

• Join your child’s Facebook or MySpace page
• Use parental controls
• Check internet history files

Recently the Winston Salem Police Department  Crime Prevention Unit applied for and received a $1000 grant awarded by Target. The grant was one of just a few awarded.  The purpose of this grant is to purchase multimedia equipment to be used with the Internet Safety program.  The Winston Salem Police Department would like to extend our appreciation to Target for their generous gift. For information about the Internet Safety program offered by the Crime Prevention Unit please call (336) 773-7835