Students cautioned to be careful online

(May 4, 2012) Special Agent David Fallon wants kids and parents to be aware of the dangers that lurk online.

Fallon, a 22-year veteran of the FBI, has spent more than a decade tracking down online sexual predators. He spoke to each grade at Voorheesville Middle School on Tuesday, May 1, and gave a presentation for community members Tuesday night.

When asked by Fallon, most students in the eighth grade presentation acknowledged that they had Facebook accounts and cell phones with cameras. “You guys are pretty wired,” he said. But when asked how many had given to parents their passwords for their online accounts, few students raised their hands.

“Parents don’t pay attention to what their kids are doing online, and that’s where we get into trouble,” he said.

“A lot of sexual predators go to the exact same places you go,” he said, referencing Facebook and other online websites. “They will do whatever it takes to meet you. Predators will use information to gain trust and friendship.”

Fallon told students that Facebook users generally place too much personal information about themselves online: name, age, phone number, grade, email, photos … the list goes on. “Who needs to know all that?” Fallon asked. “If they’re your friends, they already know that stuff.”

If you wouldn’t share information with someone walking down the street, you shouldn’t post it online. “You have to protect your privacy,” he said.

Fallon also spoke to eighth graders about sexting – sending sexually explicit messages or photos, typically via cell phone. “Once you post it, you don’t know where those pictures go. Once it’s out there, it’s never coming back. It can be forwarded to anyone,” he said.

Fallon cautioned students to consider the long-term consequences – and how they will be perceived by colleges, potential employers and family members – based on what they say and post online. “This is about who you will be for the rest of your life,” he said.

Another internet danger, said Fallon, is cyberbullying.

“Cyberbullying is a major middle school problem,” said Fallon.

Fallon said the impact of cyberbulling can be psychological, physical and emotional. He offered the following tips for victims of cyberbullying:

• Don’t respond if someone says something you don’t like it, tell someone
• Don’t retaliate
• Save the evidence
• Talk to a trusted adult

He also encouraged students to look out for each other. “If you see it happening, you have to step up to do something about it. Be a leader, be a friend,” he said.

Fallon also offered the following online safety tips:

 If something’s bothering you online, tell someone.
 Do not respond to messages that make you uncomforable.
 Don’t post personal information online.
 Respect copyright laws
 Don’t forward emails to everyone in your address book
 Secure your password

For more information on internet safety, Fallon recommends the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website. LEARN MORE