Miss America Talks Internet Safety

ROANOKE, Va. (AP) _ First Shaquille O'Neal, and now Miss America. Miss America 2007, Lauren Nelson, followed in the steps of the National basketball Association superstar in visiting Bedford County

Sunday, March 25th 2007, 9:44 pm

By: News On 6

ROANOKE, Va. (AP) _ First Shaquille O'Neal, and now Miss America. Miss America 2007, Lauren Nelson, followed in the steps of the National basketball Association superstar in visiting Bedford County to learn from law enforcement officials how to help ensure that young people don't fall victim to online predators.

As a result of her visit, Nelson joined ``Shaq'' in becoming an honorary members of the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The task force focuses on teach Internet safety -- the personal platform Nelson is pursuing as Miss America.

Nelson, an Oklahoma native, says she and her friends had a close call online with someone who asked for their ages and location -- then continued to contact them.

That experience taught the teenagers the potential dangers on the Internet.