Collier County has established an Internet Safety Consortium…made up of school, government, law-enforcement and private organizations. Its purpose is to raise awareness about ‘net safety.

Approximately 1 in 5 children online is sexually solicited – that’s according to a study by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Collier County has teamed up with the Center in offering NetSmartz – an Internet safety program using interactive 3D animation – and real-life stories - to teach kids rules for online safety.

Tracy Carrier is Spokeswoman for the Netsmartz Workshop…

“We’re very pleased with what Collier County is doing because they’re doing a comprehensive effort educating the kids at home, and then as well educating the parents thru education nights involving law enforcement where they talk about what these dangers are. They’ve involved schools, they’ve involved community organizations, and just letting people know that this program is available.”

The Netsmartz program is aimed at several age groups. Animated characters give younger kids lessons on ‘net safety. Older kids can hear real-life stories about other teens who have been victimized.

Carrier says the program also teaches kids it’s important to get away from the computer sometimes to do other fun things.

The program is also free to anyone with an Internet connection at www.NetSmartz.Org…that’s Smarts with a Z.