IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Internet Danger: Don't Walk Down the Dark Alley

Get Net Safe tour hopes to promote Internet safety

The Web is a great tool and makes the life of every student easier. But across the nation parents and guardians are concerned for the well being of their children when using the Internet. Access to great amounts of information also, unfortunately, means access to great amounts of danger.

The staysafe.org Get Net Safe tour was started for just this reason. As a joint government, non-government and Microsoft initiative, it is the hope of the tour to inform not only parents and caretakers, but also children of the potential dangers of internet use. Everything from protecting personal computers from viruses, to identity theft, to criminal activity will be covered by the tour. "Most folks wouldn't walk through a dark alley alone at night, and thus they should be careful about where they go on the Internet," the program says on its Web site.

A recent study conducted by Microsoft and RT Strategies Inc. found that although 74 percent of people believe they have the skills to protect themselves online, more than half (57 percent) do not think they know enough to protect their information. "The Get Net Safe tour events will provide resources for people to understand how to help protect their PCs, themselves, their businesses and their families online, so they can realize the full potential of the Internet," said Jack Braman, general manager of the Phoenix-based Desert Mountain District at Microsoft.

With the recent report on cyber bullying, and the DOJ awarding $400,000 to combat Internet crime against children, the main issue remains children's Internet safety. The Get Net Safe tour started in Phoenix, at local Monte Vista Elementary School, where Attorney General Terry Goddard spoke about Internet safety and the Phoenix Internet Crimes Task Force's efforts to stop online predators. "The state of Arizona places a high priority on Internet safety," Goddard said, "I encourage families to enjoy the Internet as a valuable resource and use the tools Microsoft and its partners have provided to do so safely."

Goddard has taken the issue of Internet safety to heart, and has spoken about it on his Web site. "The reality is that everyone on the Web has access [to social networking sites], and some adults use these sites to exploit children." As part of his effort, his office has created a special section devoted to Internet safety including a parents' guide for internet safety and a children's page.

From May through December, the tour will stop in Boston; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Dallas; Detroit; Los Angeles; New York; Orlando; Philadelphia; Phoenix; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.