For Release: Nov. 16, 2006
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: tucker.martin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
McDonnell’s Youth Internet Safety Task Force Meets in Roanoke
ROANOKE – Attorney General Bob McDonnell’s Youth Internet Safety Task Force held its fourth statewide meeting today at the Blue Ridge Public Television Studios in Roanoke.
Speaking about the Youth Internet Safety Task Force, Attorney General McDonnell has noted, “In many ways the Internet has emerged as the ‘new frontier’ for law enforcement. It is a tool of incredible promise and opportunity, but at the same time we have seen criminals use it to commit unspeakable acts of violence and depravity. We have to do more to keep children safe online.”
Speaking about today’s meeting in particular McDonnell remarked, “This Task Force has an important and serious mission: to determine the best methods by which we can both keep children safe online while at the same time not restrict the tremendous benefits the Internet brings to business, education and life in the Commonwealth. I am confident that by bringing together parents, students, teachers, technology company officials and law enforcement members we can strike the proper balance, and make Virginia a national model when it comes to this issue. Following this meeting we will begin the work to produce our final recommendations, and I anticipate having those ready prior to the 2007 session of the General Assembly.”
Today’s meeting featured a presentation by local Del. William Fralin (R-Roanoke), a Virginia leader on Internet safety issues. In addition, the members heard from Lt. Michael J. Harmony of the Bedford County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Division. Lt. Harmony is a member of Bedford County’s “Operation Blue Ridge Thunder,” a nationally known internet safety law enforcement effort. Finally, members also heard from Joe Showker, an instructional technology resource teacher with the Rockingham County Public Schools. Showker explained the “WebWise Kids” program that is taught in the Rockingham County schools and its success with the students.
With leaders from prominent Internet companies, educators, parents, elected officials and law enforcement, Bob McDonnell’s Youth Internet Safety Task Force aims to identify solutions to the growing problem of sex offenders and other criminals using the Internet to target children. McDonnell’s Youth Internet Safety Task Force will release its final report later this year, or possibly very early next year depending on the group’s progress.
