PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- An organization aimed at making the Internet safer for kids is putting a furry face on its message.
The website for the group Working to Halt Online Abuse Kids/Teen Division has a section devoted to Phoebe the Cyber Crime Dog.
Phoebe belongs to Jayne Hitchcock. She became active in fighting Internet crime after being stalked online in 1996. That experience prompted her to help pass Maine's cyber-stalking law.
News Center's Lee Nelson recently spoke to Hitchcock about the role Phoebe plays in her mission.
Hitchcock has been visiting schools to talk about Internet safety since 2005. About a year ago, she began bringing Phoebe along with her. She said the reaction from kids was so positive, she decided to add Phoebe to the website as well.
Phoebe has her own email account where kids can send her questions about the Internet they may not want to ask an adult. Once Phoebe draws them into the website, kids will find all kinds of information about staying safe online.
Hitchcock said her biggest message to kids is to stop and think twice before posting any personal information because once it's online, it can never be taken back. She recommended instead keeping an old fashioned paper diary as a safer alternative.
To learn more about Phoebe's safety tips, click here for a link to the website for Working to Halt Online Abuse Kids/Teen Division.
NEWS CENTER