The web is vast and it is not a bad place, in and of itself. It is a tool. Tools, used appropriately make life better, easier, and makes it possible to accomplish tasks previously inconceivable without the right tools. Tools, used without training and proper supervision can be a death trap. The internet is no different.
Wow! Can You Believe This...
- 61% of 13- to 17-year-olds have a personal profile on a site such as MySpace, Friendster, or Xanga. Half have also posted pictures of themselves online.
- When teens receive messages online from someone they donÕt know, 40% reported that theyÕll usually reply and chat with that person -- Only 18% said they'll tell an adult.
- Older teens (16-17s) use the Internet for social interaction, meeting friends, and networking.
- 45% have been asked for personal information by someone they donÕt know.
- Fully 22% of those surveyed reported their parents or guardians have never discussed Internet safety with them.
There are plenty other statistics and surveys available to see how your children might be using the internet. In the end, the surveys only give you an idea of what is going on - but talking with your child lets you go to the source.
My name is Will Lowrey and my business partner, Jon Pierce and I believe that there is a vital need that cannot be ignored. Our children are growing up in a world that is unlike anything any previous generation has experienced. Information is at their fingertips - and they have access to it 24 hours a day and at almost no cost to them.
There are too many horror stories of children that shared too much information or put themselves in risky situations. Often, they just didn't know any better. We have national campaigns against using drugs, smoking, and alcohol. We are just now starting down the road with internet safety. The campaigns are moving at 'yesterday-time' and not working in 'internet-time'. We believe that parents need a place to come for comprehensive strategies that they can take home, put into practice, and immediately things are better for their family. We also believe that there needs to be a community of support, questions, discussions, and collaberation to have a chance of staying ahead of our children. They have their own network of people that feeds them information at an astounding rate. If parents, guardians, teachers, youth pastors - anyone watching children that go online - if we try and go it alone, we are horribly outnumbered.
We Want to Help! Will You Join Us?
We want you to join us for a live conference call where we will share with you strategies to keep your kids safe online. It is vital that you stay informed so that they stay safe. Will you please join us?