National Internet Safety Month '08

The Internet is a wonderful resource. It provides a plethora of information, activities and educational tools right at users' fingertips. But there is also a dark side of the Internet which includes cyberbullying, online predators, and online pornography. Parents must be diligent in educating themselves to those potential risks children may face online.

Children may spend more time online during the summer months, some without parental supervision. In order to bring attention to online safety in America, the United States Senate unanimously designated June as National Internet Safety Month. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski along with 27 co-sponsors introduced the resolution in May, 2008.

Senate Resolution 567:

• There are more than 1,000,000,000 Internet users worldwide
• Approximately 67 percent of students in grades 5 through 12 do not share with their parents what they do on the Internet
• Approximately 30 percent of students in grades 5 through 12 have hidden their online activities from their parents
• Approximately 31 percent of the students in grades 5 through 12 have the skill to circumvent Internet filter software
• 42 percent of students know someone who has been bullied online

The resolution calls on law enforcement, educators, online safety organizations, community leaders and parents to raise the level of online safety awareness in America.

Two organizations are helping raise awareness in a unique way. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, NCMEC, is partnering with Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. The 2 organizations collaborated on a new cookbook, "The Next Gourmet Burger Kids’ Recipe Contest", which includes online safety tips from the NCMEC and more than 50 burger recipes invented by children. The cookbook provides an excellent opportunity for parents to discuss online safety risks and concerns with children while sharing quality time together cooking.

Cookbook Information:

• Book is available online
• Each book costs $5
• Book is available until August 10,2008, while supplies last
• Proceeds will benefit the NCMEC

As children enjoy their summer vacation at home, they may spend even more time in front of the computer or on the Internet. Parents remind children to use extra precautions when crossing the street, using the pool or driving their cars. As parents, must educate themselves, their children and each other to the potential risks and dangers children may face online.

By proclaiming June as Internet Safety Month, citizens are given an opportunity to learn more about the dangers online and the importance of being responsible as well as safe. In order to keep children safe online, parents, educators and law enforcement must work together to stay informed and bring awareness to this very important issue.

For more information on Internet safety, read Cyberbullying- The Warning Signs, and Internet Safety- Keeping Children Safer Online.

Sources:

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

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