For Release:
Contact: David Clementson
Email: dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
McDonnell Announces September Internet Safety Awareness Campaign
Part of Attorney General’s ‘Project SafetyNetVA’
McDonnell to Travel Virginia, Launch Youth Contest; Staff to Make Presentations Statewide
RICHMOND - Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell will spend the month of September raising awareness among Virginia parents and children about Internet safety.
The month-long campaign is part of the Attorney General’s “Project SafetyNet VA” public awareness effort on Internet safety. The Attorney General’s effort coincides with The General Assembly’s declaration of the month of September as “Internet Safety Month” in Virginia.
“This September we are focusing on Internet Safety awareness, and making sure Virginia parents and children know how to stay safe online,” McDonnell said. “We have passed a number of new laws that are making a positive difference in our fight against those who target children online. However, the number one step we can take in protecting Virginia’s children remains making sure they know how to stay safe, and what to look out for when they are on the Internet.
“When I was growing up, my parents taught me to never talk to strangers, and to never get in a stranger’s car. Now, we need to update the common sense advice we grew up with, to make it relevant to our kids in the cyber age. Children need to know to never give out personal information online, and to never go meet someone in person who they have only met online. It is simple advice, but it can make all the difference in the world.”
The month-long effort will feature three major components. This Thursday, the Attorney General will announce a first-of-its-kind competition for Virginia students. Students in the 6 -12 grades will have the opportunity to create their own television ads about Internet Safety. The winning ad will air on television in Virginia next year. More details about the contest including a companion Web site, full list of prizes, and rules will be announced at a kickoff press conference Thursday in Richmond.
Also this month the Attorney General will unveil a new Internet Safety book for 3rd Graders. The book is entitled “Faux Paw’s Adventures in the Internet.” The book, which teaches students basic lessons about staying safe online, will be sent to every public and private elementary school in the state. The Attorney General will read the book to 3rd Grade classes in several locations across Virginia, starting in Danville on Friday. A full listing of those locations can be found below.
Finally, members of the Computer Crime Section of the Office of the Attorney General will travel throughout Virginia this month presenting the “SafetyNet” program on online safety to students, teachers and parents. This in-depth presentation teaches individuals what to look for when online, and the simple steps they can take to avoid becoming victims.
More details about these events will be released as they approach.
“Project SafetyNet VA” is a result of the Attorney General’s Youth Internet Safety Task Force, which met over the course of 2006. It is a joint effort, led by the Attorney General, to educate and raise awareness among Virginia's children and parents about the dangers of the Internet through innovative initiatives. The Attorney General's Youth Internet Safety Advisory Committee meets regularly to implement these educational initiatives and is comprised of leaders representing education, law enforcement, parents, faith-based organizations and the technology industry.
Attorney General Bob McDonnell’s “Project SafetyNet VA” September Tour
*Additional Locations to Be Added as the Month Continues*
By Region
September 7 - Chatham/Danville
Faux Paw’s Reading by Attorney General McDonnell
SafetyNet Presentations by Office of the Attorney General Staff
September 10 - Amherst/Lynchburg/Roanoke
Faux Paw’s Reading by Attorney General McDonnell
SafetyNet Presentations by Office of the Attorney General Staff
September 13 - Northern Virginia
Faux Paw’s Reading by Attorney General McDonnell
SafetyNet Presentations by Office of the Attorney General Staff
Schedule to be Released Later
September 19 - Hampton Roads
Faux Paw’s Reading by Attorney General McDonnell
SafetyNet Presentations by Office of the Attorney General Staff
Schedule to be Released Later
September 20 – Richmond
Faux Paw’s Reading by Attorney General McDonnell
SafetyNet Presentations by Office of the Attorney General Staff
2:45 p.m. - Students
7 p.m. - PTSA
