Teamin’ Up to Keep Hoosier Children Safe

IndianaChamberHere’s some great news, courtesy of our partners at Inside INdiana Business:

Bright House Networks and Net Literacy have partnered to launch a new Internet Safety Awareness Campaign, featuring six new Public Service Announcements (PSAs) focusing on Internet Safety in Everyday Life. This newest round of PSAs that will air across Central Indiana on Bright House Networks is part of a seven year partnership between Bright House Networks and Net Literacy with a mission to increase computer access across Central Indiana and educate youth on the importance of Internet Safety.
“Bright House Networks is committed to educating our customers about the importance of Internet Safety,” said Don Williams, Vice President General Manager for Bright House Networks. “Our partnership with Net Literacy allows us to work closely with student volunteers, who are closest to these issues surrounding Internet Safety, and develop a strong Internet Safety message relatable to internet users of any age.”

The new six-spot PSA campaign is part of an ongoing commitment between Bright House Networks and Net Literacy. Since 2004, a total of nineteen Internet Safety Awareness PSAs have been created and aired on Bright House Networks. Each PSA is scripted by and stars Net Literacy High School Student volunteers, and discuss issues such as cyber bullying, sexting and social networks.

The Internet can be a great tool, but children should be taught how to use it safely. Too many students have fallen prey to online predators and cyber bullies, and even something as simple as posting an inappropriate picture on a social network can come back around to hurt and embarrass the student.

I spoke with Net Literacy Chairman Don Kent when he was named an afterschool ambassador by the Afterschool Alliance for our March/April 2011 edition of BizVoice®. You can read that story here, which gives a little background on what Net Literacy does for the community – from serving as an afterschool program for students (keeping the students safe and involved in the community) to working to reduce the “digital divide” by increasing computer access and digital literacy throughout the state.

Hopefully students and parents take heed of these PSAs and use the information to protect themselves in the digital age.