Safer Internet Day: Do you know what apps your kids are using?

Tuesday is Safer Internet Day, and Washington State Patrol teamed up with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, “Together for a Better Internet”, to remind parents about the importance of monitoring online activity.

Sgt. Darren Wright with WSP says the day highlights the importance of parents combating internet dangers by working with educators, parents and law enforcement create a safe internet environment for children.

“Internet safety takes all parents, educators, law enforcement working together and we’re working together for a better Internet,” said Sergeant Wright. “The best way to keep our children safe online is prevention.”

Sgt. Wright urged parents to be particularly vigilant with smart phone and computer applications that have chat functions.

“Anywhere there’s a chat function, gives these predators a chance to communicate with children and become a danger,” said Sergeant Wright. “Even if its a respected and reputable application, game or something like that, still monitor their behavior because these predators will and can infiltrate those chat areas.”

He says it's also important for parents to talk to kids about the dangers of having online conversations with strangers, and enforce rules about chatting with anyone the child doesn't in real life.

For parents looking to get material and resources, try saferinternetday.org, ICACtaskforce.org, and Netsmartz.