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Nonprofit Organizations Collaborate to Help Keep Kids Safe Online



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Jun 12, 2008, News Report

In recognition of National Internet Safety Month, AT&T today announced a collaboration with Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), the Internet Keep Safe Coalition (IKeepSafe), Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) officers and Enough Is Enough to promote a safe online experience for consumers. AT&T also encouraged parents to be involved in their children's online activity, including wireless devices and computers.

"We've taught our children to be wary of 'stranger danger' on the playground, but their wide use of the Internet and networking sites expands the dangers of a virtual playground that reaches into our homes," said U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean, who sponsored the U.S. House of Representatives resolution designating June as National Internet Safety Month.

"June is an important time of year to raise awareness for consumers about creating a safe online experience," said Brent Olson, AT&T assistant vice president of Public Policy. "With kids out of school and more people spending time online, kids are more likely to be surfing the Internet and keeping track of friends and family on mobile phones and other hand-held devices, both wired and wireless, not to mention the familiar family computer. With today's convergence of technologies, we strongly encourage parents to understand and keep updated on their children's online and mobile phone activities and to educate them about the risks they face online and the measures they can take to protect themselves." AT&T is working with these nonprofit organizations to help educate parents, children and communities about online safety.

FOSI -- an international nonprofit organization committed to providing innovative solutions for family online safety -- will issue three studies focused on best practices in online safety education.

"FOSI works to promote the best online tools, which include tools for wireless phones with Internet capabilities," said Stephen Balkam, CEO of FOSI. "AT&T is committed to helping consumers and their families implement safe online practices, and their involvement, especially with Wireless Smart Limits, will strengthen our coordinated efforts for family safety."

Later this fall, the IKeepSafe coalition and DARE officers will launch an Internet safety program for children that will be provided in schools throughout the country. The online safety program will target children in grades one through five, with an emphasis on cyber bullying for fifth-graders. Programs also will be provided to parents and organizations in these communities.

The Internet safety organization Enough Is Enough is dedicated to protecting children and families from the Internet dangers of pornography and sexual predators. The program targets at- risk youth, who have little to no parental supervision and are in an environment that makes them more susceptible to risky online behavior. The pilot program launches in Virginia in the fall, and the national rollout is next year. The organization will also distribute an online safety 101 kit for parents later this year.

 


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