Optimus Template

In an effort to keep children and teens safe online, New Jersey senator Robert Menendez and Florida congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz have introduced new legislation, The School And Family Education about the Internet (SAFE Internet) Act.  If passed, the act would create a grant program for the education of children, teachers, and parents nationwide about Internet safety. In a press release on his web site, Robert Menendez expressed the importance of this program:

“The way to meet the challenges and opportunities the Internet presents isn't to deny our children access to this great resource but to make sure they know how to use it wisely. Just as we make sure our children know not to talk to strangers, not to bully kids on the playground, and not to give out their personal information, we have the same responsibility to teach them to apply these values online. That’s why I’m introducing this bill to make Internet safety the strong federal priority it should be.”

Supporters of the legislation include Cynthia Logan, who’s daughter took her own life after a “sexting” incident; Miss Utah 2008, Kayla Barclay; Jim Styeer, CEO and founder of Common Sense Media; Judi Westberg Warren, CEO of Web Wise Kids;  and Parry Aftab, Executive Director of Wired Safety.

A summary of the SAFE Internet Act and more details are available on Senator Menendez’s web site.