‘Safe Online Surfing’ challenge warns Nebraska students about online predators

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)- The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Omaha office has issued its 10th annual “Safe Online Surfing” challenge.

Over 27,000 Nebraskan students participated last year, including nearly 3,000 schools across the state.

Omaha FBI’s Public Affairs Specialist Amy Adams says the program will help children between 3rd and 8th grade.

“We know that kids are accessing online technology at a younger and younger age each year,” she said. “And we also know that there are predators online that have bad intentions that are lurking around the corner, on all these internet sites and online.”

The challenge started in 2012, to also help educators warn students about cyberbullying.

“Teachers just need to register their classes, and then every month, it’s tested to see who has the highest scores,” said Adams.

Adams says there isn’t any “heavy lifting” with the program and it’s not just educators who can sign up, but parents too.

“Parents can get online and do this with their kids,” she said. “If their school is not participating, they can do the challenge with their kids.”

Adams emphasizes there’s “no bigger priority for the FBI than protecting our kids.”

Educators and parents can sign up for the program, here.