Sunday, July 29, 2007

Miss America calls for mandatory internet safety classes


Tells Congress she looked at dirty photos

Published Tuesday 24th July 2007 23:37 GMT

The current Miss America has asked Congress to take further steps in protecting children from internet predators.

Lauren Nelson, who received her country's highest honor for looking classy in a swimsuit, told the Senate Commerce Committee that internet safety classes should be mandatory for school children.

"We don't allow our children to ride their bikes without first teaching them about proper safety, and we shouldn't let them use the computer and access the internet without taking the same precautions," Nelson said.

Since winning the Miss America beauty pageant, Nelson, age 20, has used the platform to discourage those wishing to objectify youngsters in a sexual fashion. She told Congress the subject personally touched her life seven years ago when somebody sent her dirty pictures over the internet.

When she was 13 years old, she and a friend were approached by a stranger on an internet chat room. The mystery chatter somehow compelled Nelson — who would go on to get a master's degree in musical theater — to divulge her name, age, gender and home address, as well as that of her friend's.

A few days later, the stranger sent her dirty photos.

More at the Source



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