CATHOLIC school students have been warned against identifying themselves on the Internet.
Deputy principal of Siena College on the Sunshine Coast, Bryan Baker, said in the college’s newsletter last month that the information could be used by paedophiles.
“The Internet and e-mail are very useful educational tools, but they do have their downside,” he said.
“A recent Education Queensland survey into Internet security recommended that students not put their names, photographs or other details on the Net.
“There has been a surge in the number of paedophiles trying to contact children through cyberspace.
“Chat rooms are very popular, but are a successful medium for undesirable individuals to make contact with children.”
Mr Baker said parental vigilance was important in their children’s use of the Internet and e-mail.
“Paedophiles can track down a child if they know their appearance, first name and the area in which they live,” he warned.
