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 PUBLISHED: 12-02-07 www.jconline.com
By CAREY BRIGGS
For the Journal & Courier
MONTICELLO -- After receiving death threats via instant messaging, one couple called a computer software consultant to track down the sender of the anonymous messages.
They hired Henry Jensen, president and founder of Soft-Tech Consulting LLC in Fishers, to learn the source of the threats and to install programs that would help block predators.
Jensen was the main speaker at a seminar titled "Protect Our Children," on Internet predators of all kinds. The seminar was held Tuesday at Twin Lakes High School in Monticello.
Jensen said he is often gets questions from parents worried about their children knowing more about computers than they do.
So Jensen started giving free computer security assessments for homes and businesses, and free seminars to parents and childcare providers.
"You can monitor kids and that is fine, but as they get older, you can't always be there," Jensen told those at Tuesday's seminar. "You try to instill values in your kids, but there will still be influences outside your home."
At the seminar, Jensen touched on many topics of concern that come with Internet usage, such as bullying, instant messaging and blogging.
Jensen said Internet bullying could be anything from name-calling to downloading photographs not intended to be shared.
"This (bullying) is all happening in the physical world, but it is also happening in the cyber world," said Jensen during his presentation.
Jensen said parents need to lead by example, and limit their time online. He said parents need to spend time with their kids and have discussions about these issues.
Concern for kids
Janet Dold, executive director of the Monticello Chamber of Commerce , a sponsor for the event, agrees awareness is a key component to Internet safety.
According to the Justice Department , one out of five children will encounter unwanted sexual advances online. Dold said.
"We need to educate ourselves as a community. It's not just a big city problem. It's everywhere."
Dold said it isn't just something parents or grandparents should be concerned with, but anyone who works with children, such as in a child care facility or school.
Dold said the Monticello Chamber of Commerce wanted to offer more positive family venues for the community. The seminar was booked after Marty Cotterman, a former Lafayette police officer and current part-time officer for the Monticello Police Department, recommended Jensen.
A slogan on Jensen's Web site states, "Computers don't hurt people ... Predators do!" Cotterman said that's a lot like the slogan, "Guns don't hurt people ... People do."
"You wouldn't leave your child alone in a room with a loaded gun," he said. "The same is with a computer."
Step up, take action
Cotterman said parents should take steps to ensure their children's safety while they are online.
"Kids may not like it, but we're parents, and that's our job."
Cotterman encouraged parents at the seminar to step up and take action. He said times are different than when he was growing up. People don't know their neighbors anymore, and often both parents are working long hours. In the end, the hardest job parents will have will be raising their children, he said.
"Don't give up your right to be a parent," he said at the seminar.
Brent Bowers, a representative from Venture Wireless in Monticello, was also on hand to help parents set up a tracking device for cell phones that can be set for emergency personnel only or for all Verizon Wireless carriers. He said this can help locate a missing child if they are carrying the cell phone.
Cotterman said Monticello has been affected by Internet predators.
"There have been a handful of cases in White County over the years. It can and does happen here."
Call or email to schedule your computer technology assessment today to discuss how managed services can work for you. 317-555-5555or Henry@Indy-IT.com
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