As a parent myself, I know firsthand the challenges of working and raising children, but we should never be too busy to teach online safety. The internet places volumes of information at our fingertips; and unmonitored internet access can inadvertently expose children to human traffickers, sexual predators, identity thieves and harmful content.
Here are some tips for parents to protect their children online:
- Limit search engines to keep results age appropriate;
- Manage screen time on certain apps, or the device as a whole; and
- Know all user accounts and passwords your child has.
As a mom, I worry about the amount of time that my child spends online and his online safety. With kids back in school in Florida, we want to make sure they stay safe—especially when they are not with us. Parental controls go a long way in safeguarding your children online and can be easily activated using your mobile phone.
To learn more about using parental controls, click here.
By monitoring our children’s online activity, we can keep them safe from harm, and build a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
These are the 18 smartphone apps parents need to know about, News 4 Jax
Florida’s Attorney General warns of charity scams targeting Haiti relief efforts, WKMG Orlando
Floridanos que quieren ayudar a víctimas del sismo en Haití deben tener cuidado con las estafas, el Nuevo Herald
Florida attorney general activates price gouging hotline ahead of Fred, ABC 7 Suncoast
Florida activates price gouging hotline after DeSantis declares emergency in 23 counties over storm, Local 10 Miami
Three Orlando nurses arrested for alleged abuse, neglect of disabled patient with hypothermia, Orlando Sentinel
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Urges Florida Sheriffs to Resume the Transfer of Criminals in the Country Illegally to Federal Authorities
Following a nationwide court-ordered injunction, Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging Florida sheriffs to transfer criminals in the country illegally to federal authorities for deportation, upon the completion of their sentences. The guidance comes after the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled against President Joe Biden’s failed immigration policies. The ruling orders the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to follow federal law that requires the deportation of certain criminals in the country illegally.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This is an important public safety ruling. Since his first day on the job, President Biden has refused to deport serious criminal offenders here illegally—making Floridians and the rest of the country less safe. I am grateful for today’s ruling that forces President Biden to do his job, and I am asking all our great sheriffs to resume the transfer of custody of criminals in the country illegally to the federal government for deportation." Read More
Attorney General Moody Disburses Nearly Half a Million Dollars to Nonprofits Following Shutdown of Unlawful Charity Telefunding Operation
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that payments nearing half a million dollars were sent to nonprofits following a successful court action against an unlawful charity fundraising robocall scheme. Through the court action, Associated Community Services, its sister companies and owners paid almost $500,000 in charitable contributions that were disbursed to three unrelated, court-approved nonprofits in order to support the charitable purposes the donors originally intended.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This deceptive charity fundraising scheme ripped off generous Floridians and donors nationwide. As Florida’s Attorney General, I am committed to holding accountable those who target and exploit the kindness of others for their own financial gain. It is my pleasure to redirect these funds to legitimate charities that work to provide resources to those in need.” Read More
CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Moody Warns of Charity Scams Related to Disaster-Struck Haiti
A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday morning, Aug. 14. The earthquake killed more than 1,900 people and upended the lives of nearly 1.2 million Haitian citizens—both numbers are expected to increase in the coming days. Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians wishing to provide financial support to be on the lookout for fake charities that may pretend to aid in the recovery efforts.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It is harrowing to hear the news reports of the devastation that our neighbors in Haiti are currently enduring. With the aftermath of Tropical Storm Grace wreaking havoc on Haitians, some efforts to recover from the earthquake are being stalled. I encourage generous Floridians to help provide support; but watch out for fake charities trying to exploit the tragedy to steal money.”
Read MoreEvents
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody met with Tampa Port Authority CEO Paul Anderson regarding security at Florida ports.
Attorney General Moody recently recognized Guimond Cloutier with the agency’s White Hat Award. The White Hat Award is presented to outstanding employees in the Office of the Attorney General for extraordinary service. Guimond works in the Tampa office in Criminal Appeals and has been with the agency since 1997. Congratulations, Guimond! To view the Attorney General’s message to Guimond, click here.
Registration for the upcoming virtual Human Trafficking Summit is open. It is free to register, and attendees will have access to hours of breakout sessions and targeted discussions on how to end human trafficking. To register, visit humantraffickingsummit.com.
