*****MEDIA ADVISORY*****MEDIA ADVISORY*****

MADIGAN'S INTERNET SAFETY EXPERT SCHEDULED TO TALK WITH STUDENTS, PARENTS AND EDUCATORS IN TAZEWELL COUNTY LATER THIS WEEK

An Internet safety expert from the Office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is scheduled to speak to students, parents and educators in Tazewell County during three presentations scheduled this Thursday and Friday, March 30 and 31, about protecting themselves and their children from identity thieves and predators lurking online.

Deputy Bureau Chief Michael Sullivan, of Madigan’s High Tech Crimes Bureau, is expected to discuss the growing popularity of online blogs such as MySpace, Facebook and Xanga, which provide a forum for college students and teens to share personal information and photographs. Sullivan offers tips for students on how to create a safer Web page on one of these sites.

Sullivan’s presentation will show parents and teachers how to “Google” children to see what information is available about them online. There also will be a demonstration of how quickly online predators approach someone they deem vulnerable.

The events are co-sponsored by the Tazewell County Children’s Advocacy Center.

On Thursday, March 30, the following events are scheduled:

• 1:30 p.m., presentation for junior high school students at Broadmoor Jr. High School, 501 Maywood Ave., Pekin.

• 6:30 p.m., presentation for parents at Washington School Auditorium, 501 Washington St., Pekin. This event is open to the public.

On Friday, March 31, the following event is scheduled:

• 8:30 a.m., presentation for junior high school students at Edison Jr. High School, 1400 Earl St., Pekin.

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