MOUNT OLIVE (11/18/05) – Beth Greenbaum, the mother of two youngsters in the school system and the principal of the Middle School, Tracey Severn, have teamed up to raise parents’ and the community’s awareness of what is available on internet blogs. They’re in the process of planning an informational program for parents.

Greenbaum, who is the wife of Councilman Rob Greenbaum, also is concerned about young people’s safety. Children viewing Web sites and participating in "chat rooms" are common today and as police will tell us there is a significant danger in communicating with strangers.

Greenbaum points out that young people may not understand that what they say and show on these blogs are an electronic version of a diary and some offer detailed looks into their lives. Some children even display photos and their daily schedules.

Law enforcement Internet security experts continually warn young people about adult predators reading and studying the web sites children go to and how they use them to prey on young people.

Mount Olive Police Officer Michael Cordileone says The internet is as dangerous as sending children to a public park alone. Cordileone said the issue of internet safety will only become more important with the advances and broadening to the technology. He said even though we have a relatively low incident level, parents should be aware of the potential dangers.

Greenbaum and Severns are planning an informational session for parents in the Middle School but no date has yet been set.