Sen. Hune Addressed Internet Safety

A new concern of parents was recently brought to my attention: intrusive, inappropriate advertising on the internet.

I have heard of complaints from parents about their kids seeing advertisements that often contain alcohol, tobacco, pornography and gambling marketers through different Internet and cell phone inboxes.

Ads like these can be damaging for a small child.

Thankfully, the State of Michigan offers a free program to stop adult advertisements from reaching e-mails, mobile phones (text messaging ads) and instant messenger IDs. The Michigan Child Protection Registry is a free do-not-contact service for Michigan’s families and schools and can be located at www.ProtectMiChild.com.

As a strong supporter of this registry, I would like to encourage you to sign up your entire family for the registry. In addition, your household or organization can easily participate in this important program by doing two simple things: 1) help spread the word by encouraging family friends and colleagues to register and 2) add the www.ProtectMiChild.com site to your “favorites” for easy access to the registry.

Our children are our most important resource and we must maintain their safety in an increasingly digital age. The power and useful resource that the Internet is can no longer be denied, but our children’s safety and security while online are still paramount.

If you have any further questions please email my office at SenJHune@senate.michigan.gov or dial toll-free 1-855-563-4863 and my staff will be happy to assist you.

Sen. Joe Hune is chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. He represents the 22nd state Senate District, which includes Livingston and Shiawassee counties, and the southern part of Ingham County. The Ingham County portion includes Bunkerhill, Leslie, Stockbridge and Vevay townships, and the cities of Leslie and Mason.