While the Internet offers a world of educational and entertainment options for young people, it also has a dangerous side that parents and others must be aware of.

Join Eric Szatkowski, Special Agent with the Wisconsin Department of Justice/Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to learn more about online exploitation of children at a community forum on two different nights.

Szsatkowski, an agent since 1991 and parent of two teenagers, has become one of the nationís leading undercover officers focusing on apprehending sexual predators. Szatkowski said, ì2500 arrests were made of online sexual predators in the country last year, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Education about this issue is crucial. Prior to the Internet, the average age our kids were exposed to pornography was 15. Now that average is 8 years of age.î

Szsatkowski is responsible for the arrest of over 100 men from Wisconsin, and his work has been recognized by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. He will give a glimpse of the danger that exists from Internet predators, including actual situations and practical advice for anyone interested in the safety and well-being of children. An eye-opening live demonstration of chat rooms will be included.

The programs, sponsored by the school districts of St. Croix Falls and Osceola, with support from St. Croix Regional Medical Center and S & C Bank, are planned for Oct. 24 in St. Croix Falls, Wisc. at the Middle School gym and Oct. 25 in Osceola, Wisc., at the Osceola High School auditorium. Both programs are free and will begin at 7 p.m. Child care is available at the Osceola event. Due to the nature of the subject, the evening presentation is appropriate for adults only.

Programs will be offered during the day to students at both school districts. In St. Croix Falls, the High School presentation will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Middle School at 10:15 a.m. In the Osceola School District, the High School program begins at 9 a.m. and the Middle School program at 2 p.m.

Parents and community members are welcome to attend these programs if the evening session is not an option. For more information, please contact the school districts: St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-9823 or Osceola, (715) 294-4810, or the Education Dept. at St. Croix Regional Medical Center, (715) 483-0431.