Attorney General's News Release

October 5, 2010

Attorney General offers Internet safety information on website--October is Internet Safety Month in Missouri--

Jefferson City, Mo. -- Attorney General Chris Koster today unveiled a new portion of his website devoted to giving children, teens, parents and educators information on how to protect young people while on the Internet. The new website features a cartoon version of the Attorney General urging children to "surf safely."

The new web pages are part of Internet Safety Month in Missouri, which Governor Jay Nixon proclaimed for October. In addition to the new web pages, the Public Education Director for the Attorney General's Office, Tom Durkin, will travel to middle schools in the state beginning this month to give public-service presentations to students and parents about Internet safety. Durkin's presentation will include information about social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace.

"The Internet opens up the world to our young people," Koster said. "But it can also open them up to a world of danger.

"I appreciate Governor Nixon proclaiming October as Internet Safety Month in Missouri, to bring a focus to this important challenge. My office will continue efforts throughout the year to warn children and parents about possible dangers on the Internet, as well as to fight to keep Internet content appropriate."

The new Internet safety web pages can be found on the Attorney General's website at ago.mo.gov. To schedule a school presentation, contact Tom Durkin at (573)751-8843 or by email at tom.durkin@ago.mo.gov.