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A rise in sexual exploitation cases involving children is leading to a new federally backed project called iGuardian. The program aims to provide young people, families and teachers with valuable information to stay safe from online sexual predators.
Agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be visiting schools and community centers stressing how dangerous online environments can be, and what to do to avoid becoming victim to sexual predators.
Anita Carpenter, CEO of the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault (INCASA), says programs like this are a step in the right direction.
"I think that we have to take a look at stronger education tools, materials and resources that we don't currently have," says Carpenter.
INCASA works closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office promoting online education to combat sexual predators.
Tips being given to kids to stay safe online include:
- Set user profiles to private.
- Never share intimate pictures or personal information.
- Don’t meet up with anyone you meet online.
- Report suspicious activity.
Right now no Hoosier schools are signed up to participate in the iGaurdian program but any organization may request a presentation at ice.dhs.gov.
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