Clinton school children are back in class and as we get into the swing of things, local authorities are encouraging parents to have some conversations with their kids about safety in the community and online.

School resource officer Kody Mair says for parents with young drivers, the messages should be around driving undistracted and being aware of the areas of the community you are in, and watching for kids who may be on foot going to or from school.

Officer Mair also encourages parents to talk with their kids about online safety. He explains he is seeing an increase in teenagers being scammed or taken advantage of online and he notes, it is completely avoidable.

Chief Ben Lowers implores parents to be mindful of their children's activities on social media and online. Predators can gain access to our kids in a variety of ways and bullying has taken on a digital form in recent years.

Officer Mair notes one of the increasing forms of bullying and exploitation is through the chat room features of video games.