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Montpelier, Vt. - May 25, 2005 -- Joined by some of the state's top law enforcement and education officials, First Lady Dorothy Douglas launched a new campaign to teach Vermont's children the essentials of Internet safety.
Mrs. Douglas is a member of the Internet Keep Safe Coalition -- also known as iKeepSafe -- a state-endorsed educational program that is using children's books, Web materials, and public service announcements to emphasize three simple tips for children to stay safe online.
The First Lady introduced one of these new children's books: Faux Paw the Techno Cat: Adventures in the Internet to a group of elementary school children on hand for the announcement.
Recent studies show that one in five children receives an online sexual solicitation each year and 29 percent of children freely give out personal information online if asked. Mrs. Douglas said the Coalition's goal is to reduce these statistics by ensuring children understand and practice safe online behavior. "The threat of internet predators is preventable through education and awareness," Mrs. Douglas said. "But we have to teach our children to protect their personal information. That is why I joined this campaign, and it is why it is so very important to Vermont".
