Free e-book to Save Kids from Cyber Sharks

Surfing Among the Cyber Sharks is a guidebook on Internet safety for parents. The book uses real-life examples, illustrations, and statistics that show the risks and consequences for kids posed by their online activity. CyberPatrol, a leading provider of tools to protect people online, has released it. 

The book is written by Vince Schiavone and Bob Kessinger with contributions from John Sancin and Barb Rose. It compares online threats with sharks, ever present in what appears to be safe waters.

“The shark analogy is perfect because parents immediately get it,” said Bob Kessinger. “Like sharks in the water the apparent safety of the Internet is full of Cyber Sharks, and if kids aren’t careful they can easily become victims.” 

According to CyberPatrol, the book also addresses the difference between being cyber savvy and cyber smart, and why parents should and can play a vital role in making sure their kids safely navigate the Web.

Recently, cable/TV company Comcast also suggested tips to maintain privacy while using the online networks. It says parents should become familiar with networks like Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace to advise their children about the importance of being safe and smart while communicating online. (Read: 5 Tips to Use Facebooks, Twitters Gracefully)

A study shows that teen girls who depict themselves online in a provocative way and who have a history of child abuse are more likely to receive online sexual advances. Then they meet those individuals offline. It suggests parents should know how their teenage girls present themselves online. (Read: Is Internet Bad for Teen Girls?)

CyberPatrol is offering a free online version of Surfing Among the Cyber Sharks from its web site, at http://www.cyberpatrol.com/bookdownload.asp.

Microsoft Selects Safer Gaming Ambassadors

As part of its Get Game Smart public service campaign, Microsoft today announced the formation of a new consumer panel made up of 10 teens and their parents. They’ll help educate other families on ways to enjoy safer interactive entertainment at home.

The Get Game Smart Ambassadors represent families from eight U.S. cities. Through the use of an interactive Web site, blog, and online social community, they’re demonstrating their commitment to safer video gaming and inspiring their peers to tackle this issue.

The 10 Ambassador teams were chosen by popular vote on http://www.getgamesmart.com/ based on a short video they submitted, highlighting their families’ approach to balanced video gaming and media use.

The Ambassadors will contribute tips and information to the campaign’s Web site and blog, provide insight on their challenges and solutions related to balanced media use, and help educate families within their communities on these issues.

Recently, cable, TV company Comcast also suggested tips to maintain privacy while using online networks. It says parents should become familiar with networks like Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace to advise their children about the importance of being safe and smart while communicating online. (Read: 5 Tips to Use Facebooks, Twitters Gracefully)

Also, published in the June issue of Pediatrics, a study reveals that 40% of all 173 teen girls in the study reported experiencing online sexual advances, and 26% reported meeting someone in person who they first met online. (Read: Is Internet Bad for Teen Girls?)

The Microsoft campaign also aims to help parents and kids establish healthy habits for playing video games, watching TV, and browsing the Web.

DIRECTV Mas Launches Proyecto Esperanza

DIRECTV Mas, DIRECTV’s Spanish-language programming service, is launching Proyecto Esperanza (Project Hope). It’s an advertising and PSA campaign aimed at Hispanics in the United States that calls out the plight of orphans in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The television campaign will feature Latin superstar Charytin and give people around the country an opportunity to sign up for DIRECTV Mas through a dedicated telephone number and support The Orphaned Starfish Foundation.

Charytin will serve as the spokesperson on behalf of DIRECTV Mas for the Proyecto Esperanza campaign. Charytin will star in a series of commercials and public service announcements calling attention to the plight of these children and letting people know how they can help, says DIRECTV Mas.

“I am honored to be the ambassador/spokesperson for Proyecto Esperanza. I have children of my own and know first-hand the importance of good education,” said Charytin. “Being able to see first hand the work The Orphaned Starfish Foundation is doing, gives me great hope for the future of these children and thousands of others throughout Latin America.”

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation was founded on the belief that education is a supremely important method of saving orphans from the cycle of poverty. Since its inception, the Foundation has funded the construction and operation of vocational training facilities in several orphanages and homes for disadvantaged children in Latin America, including funding for furnishings, required equipment, trainer salaries, and job placement service.

It’s a volunteer-run organization and currently supports 17 projects in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama.