In May, The United States Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 205, which designates June 2007 as National Internet Safety Month.
The non-binding Resolution, introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski(AK), provides no additional funding or support, but will provide much needed awareness to online safety issues and concerns. SR 205 calls on Internet safety organizations, law enforcement, educators, community leaders, parents, and volunteers to increase their efforts in order to raise the level of online safety awareness in America.
By proclaiming June as Internet Safety Month, American citizens are given an opportunity to learn more about the dangers online and the importance of being responsible as well as safe.
Resolution 205 also recognizes local and national organizations for promoting awareness of the dangers of the Internet; as well as providing information and training that develops critical thinking and decision-making skills that are needed to use the Internet safely.
The Resolution states:
- There are more than 1,000,000,000 Internet users worldwide;
- There are 35,000,000 children in the United States in grades kindergarten through 12, that have Internet access;
- Approximately 80 percent of American children in grades 5 through 12, are online for at least 1 hour per week;
- Approximately 41 percent of students in grades 5 through 12 don’t tell their parents what they do online;
- Approximately 24 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 know how to get around Internet filtering software;
- 61 percent of the United States students admit to using the Internet unsafely or inappropriately;
- 20 percent of middle school and high school students have actually met face-to-face with someone they first met online;
- 23 percent of students know someone who has been bullied on the Internet;
- 56 percent of parents feel that online bullying of children is an issue that needs to be addressed;
- 47 percent of parents feel that their ability to monitor and shelter their children from inappropriate material on the Internet is limited
- 61 percent of parents want to be more personally involved with Internet safety
We remind our children to use extra safety precautions when out in the sun, when using the pool, or driving their cars. As our children enjoy their summer vacation at home, they may spend even more time in front of the computer or on the Internet. We, as parents, must remind them about the potential risks and dangers they may face online.
By working together, by communicating with one another, and by bringing much needed attention to this very important issue, our children can have a safer online experience.
