Former detective works to protect kids online
(posted 16.02.10)
Do you know where your children are going and what they are doing online? Have you ever considered the methods and techniques used by internet predators?
Are there any signs that a child might be at risk on the internet, and what protective and preventative measures can parents put in place?
All these questions and more will be discussed during powerful presentations on Internet Safety and Cyberbullying at Matthew Flinders Anglican College on March 10 and 11.
Former undercover internet detective Brett Lee will share his knowledge with students, staff and parents during his visit to Flinders, which includes an evening session for parents on Wednesday, March 10.
Brett, the founder of iNESS (Internet Education and Safety Services), worked as a Queensland police officer for 22 years, 16 of those as a detective predominantly in the field of child exploitation. In his last five years of service, he was a specialist in the field of undercover internet child exploitation investigations. Brett has been personally involved in the online investigation, arrest and prosecution of numerous offenders, whose medium for preying on children is the internet.
Brett has delivered training to members of law enforcement agencies including New South Wales Police, South Australian Police, West Australian Police and Australian Customs. Within his own police service he was involved in the training of plain clothes police through Detective Training and Sexual Crimes Courses in online child exploitation investigations.
Further to Brett's experience, he has completed the FBI Advanced Internet Investigations Course and has worked with the FBI Innocent Images Unit, Maryland USA, the Department of Homeland Security Cyber Crimes Centre, Virginia USA and the San Jose Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, California USA.
Brett has received the Queensland Police Commissioner's Gold Award and the Crime and Misconduct Commissioner's Award for his role in the development and implementation of software that is now utilised by various Australian Law enforcement agencies to track and identify online child offenders.
Brett has created iNESS Australia to help equip and educate young Australians with the skills and knowledge to enable them to use the internet safely while making them aware of their rights and responsibilities in the cyberworld.
“By developing credibility with the students we can get them to not only listen but to change their poor internet and mobile phone habits when they use this technology. Credibility is the key to our success,” Brett said.
“Our programs are unique and our message is powerful . We simplify what’s needed for kids to protect themselves online.”
All programs target awareness, empowerment and self esteem. It is a unique presentation that is delivered from the perspective of a child and the dangers and responsibilities surrounding the internet are brought to life.
Topics covered include internet and mobile phones, cyberbullying, MSN Messenger, chatrooms, social networking sites, online gaming, virtual reality, and identity protection.
All information is relevant and the most up-to-date from around the world. Programs include the use of videos, crimes stories and screen shots. All information is explained in simple terms and backed up with a real life Australian example.
Cyber Safety Tips from Brett Lee
- Always have internet access in a common area never allow it in bedrooms, if possible.
- People you do not know in real life are strangers.
- Anyone important to you and your family will have your personal information. Protect this information from strangers.
- Have an interest in what your children, family members activities are online.
- Children sometimes look for adult conversation, share your skills and knowledge show them what is safe and what is not.
- So called “friends” on the internet only tell you what they want to. They are hidden and there are no clues by appearance or body language.
- If the conversation makes you uncomfortable or inappropriate questions are asked, say nothing and delete that person from your contact list.
- People think there is no danger, they are at home, safe, their conversations are private their images are private. You cannot control situations or how others use your information on the internet!
- There are over six billion people watching.
- There are monitoring and software filters available. This may be an extra option to help see who and when people are communicating with your children.
Thanks to the Matthew Flinders Anglican College Parents and Friends' Association for sponsoring Brett Lee's visit to Flinders. There is no cost to attend the Wednesday night presentation on March 10 at the Flinders Sport Centre, 6.45pm for 7pm start. (Gold coin donation for refreshments.)
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