CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Internet Safety Cyber Cafe at Discovery Science Place

Internet Safety Cyber Cafe at Discovery Science Place

By Meghan McDermott

CBS 19 is given the first look at the new Cyber Cafe. Russell Moreland is the GM of Suddenlink in Tyler, he served as our tour guide, beginning with the Netsmartz computers.

"It's completely interactive. It's got all kinds of different games. We've got different characters, and so the kids really have hands on learning," said Russell Moreland, GM of Suddenlink Tyler.

While the treats, hot chocolate machine and cash register are fun for kids the cafe's purpose can't be missed like at the sign reading "Ten Tips for Internet Safety."

"It talks about some of the things that I didn't know when my kids were growing up about spam and some of the corruption that's going on on the internet," said Moreland.

Or at this kiosk geared for parents.

"It'll take them through a whole scenario to educate them about internet safety and awareness," said Moreland.

He added, "we want to be that good corporate citizen. Make sure that we're part of an organization where kids learn that it's an awesome tool, but there's corruption out there and people use it for bad reasons."

Kim Smith is a parent of four young children.

"They love to be on the internet. They love to go to web-sites. My oldest daughter knows how to work it better than I do," said Kim Smith.

But Smith says with new technology, she worries about strangers reaching her children.

"The innocent chat room, you know chat rooms on kids web-sites, are not innocent anymore," said Karen Smith.

And it's these fears that brought this exhibit to life, as way to combine fun and education all at the same time.

"We built it kid size and we think they're gonna have a great time coming in here," said Moreland.  

This new Cyber Cafe opens to the public Friday morning.