Former undercover officer advises Cheshire parents on online safety for kids

Source: WTNH
Author: Kristina Russo

CHESHIRE, Conn. (WTNH) -- Concerned parents gathered to hear from Scott Driscoll, a former undercover police officer with 34 years of experience in law enforcement, specializing in catching cyber predators.

Driscoll delivered a presentation at Cheshire High School, focusing on the importance of keeping children safe online.

He emphasized that rather than completely restricting internet access or confiscating phones, parents should actively monitor their children's online activities and set reasonable time limits for social media use.

"We know our children better than anyone. If all of a sudden your child is being secretive that's a warning sign," said Driscoll. "If you decide they need a break and it's not the normal 'can i have my phone back' and it's a heated conversation, then maybe there's a reason why they refuse to give it up."

Parents said they found the information useful, particularly regarding the establishment of ground rules for social media usage.

Concerns about basic security, identity theft, and online predators were prevalent among attendees, underscoring the need for proactive measures to safeguard children online.

Driscoll also advised parents to educate their children about the importance of never sharing personal information online and to emphasize the importance of keeping passwords private.