SAN FRANCISCO, June 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Summertime means kids are out of school and, more than likely, spending more time online. As part of its continuing efforts in online safety, and in recognition of National Internet Safety Month, AT&T Inc. today announced a collaboration with nonprofit advocacy organizations to promote a safe online experience for consumers. The company also encouraged parents to be involved in their children's online activity, including wireless devices and computers. As the nation's largest broadband and wireless provider, AT&T has a long-standing commitment to protect consumers online and safeguard their Internet experience, including parental controls for various communication modes: Surf Smart (Internet at home), Wireless Smart (mobile phone), Watch Smart (TV viewing) and Talk Smart (traditional home phone).
"For many, the summer months mean more family time together. That's why it's a great time to talk about, share and explore the role computers, mobile phones and hand-held wireless devices play in communication," said Ken McNeely, president, AT&T California. "As a parent of two toddlers, the need to create a safe online experience is just around the corner. With today's convergence of technologies, we strongly encourage parents to understand and keep updated on their children's online and mobile phone activities."
Along with the tools and services that AT&T provides to customers to help keep their families safe, the company is also supporting a number of critical outreach efforts that will help educate parents, children and communities about online safety. AT&T is working with the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), the Internet Keep Safe Coalition (IKeepSafe), Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) officers, as well as Enough Is Enough, to provide the resources and educational opportunities necessary to inform consumers of all ages about the benefits and challenges faced online.
"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 into a 'virtual' playground that reaches into our homes," said McNeely.
California Assemblymen Dave Jones (D-Sacramento) has been an advocate for children's online and mobile safety. "Cyber bullying, cyber crimes and other mobile mischief is a reality that requires the attention of parents, teachers, lawmakers, law enforcement, nonprofits and the corporations providing these technologies," said Jones. "Now's the time to sit down with your children and help them create a safe online and mobile experience and to also understand the consequences."
AT&T supports FOSI -- an international nonprofit organization committed to innovative solutions for family online safety -- who will issue three studies focused on best practices in online safety education.
"FOSI works to promote the best online tools, which includes 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, with support from AT&T, 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 cyberbullying for fifth-graders. Programs also will be provided to parents and organizations in these communities.
"It's wonderful to collaborate on this project with AT&T, a company with a long-standing commitment to educate consumers about how to keep safe on the Internet," said Marsali Hancock, president of IKeepSafe. "AT&T is dedicated to reaching consumers with important Internet safety messages every day to protect consumers online and safeguard their Internet experience."
AT&T is also supporting a program through Enough Is Enough, an Internet safety organization dedicated to protecting children and families from 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, with a national rollout next year. The organization will also distribute an online safety 101 kit for parents later this year, with tips and instruction from a variety of organizations and companies, including AT&T.
To help consumers have a safer online experience, AT&T offers a full library of supportive Internet safety and security tips and interactive safety games for kids, all available at http://www.att.com/safety. In addition, consumers can go to http://onguardonline.gov/ to review practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help them be on guard against Internet fraud, secure their computer and protect their personal information.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on America's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.
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