Douglas is a member of the Internet Keep Safe Coalition, an educational program that is using children's books, Web materials, and public service announcements to emphasize three simple tips for children to stay safe online.
In an open letter to Vermonters released recently, Douglas said summertime is a great time to talk with children about safety -- including safety on the Internet. "The threat of internet predators is preventable through education and awareness," Mrs. Douglas said. "But we have to teach our children to protect their personal information. That is why I joined this campaign, and it is why it's so very important to Vermont."
Recent studies show that one in five children will receive an online sexual solicitation each year and 29 percent of children give out personal information online if asked. "These startling statistics underscore the importance of teaching our children how to keep safe while they explore and utilize this important and powerful tool," Douglas said.
Created with input from the FBI Internet Safety Taskforce, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, early childhood educators, and others, the Coalition's educational program is built around three basic tips: KEEP. DON'T MEET. TELL.
"We must first teach our children to KEEP their personal information protected and never give anyone online their real name, address, phone number, the name of their school or a picture of themselves," Douglas noted. "Children should know that they DON'T MEET anyone in person they've met on the Net. And, they should be taught to TELL a parent or trusted adult if they see or receive anything on the computer that makes them feel uncomfortable."
The Coalition is a broad partnership of governors and first spouses, crime prevention organizations, law enforcement agencies, and foundations, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited children, the FBI Internet Crimes Taskforce, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Education Association, the US Department of Justice, Internet Crimes against Children Taskforce, and the National Crime Prevention Council (agency home for McGruff the Crime Dog), as well as corporate sponsors such as AOL, Bearing Point, DELL, Seibel Systems and Target.
