For Release: September 7, 2007
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: tucker.martin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
McDonnell Features Internet Safety Book
for Virginia Third Graders
“Faux Paw’s Adventures in the Internet” to be in Every School in State
Danville- Attorney General Bob McDonnell traveled to the Danville area today to feature the latest initiative in his “Project SafetyNet VA” Internet safety public awareness effort. The Attorney General read the Internet safety book, “Faux Paw’s Adventures in the Internet”, to third graders at Twin Springs Elementary school, just outside of Danville. Twin Springs Elementary is part of the Pittsylvania County school system.
Speaking about the Faux Paw’s book, the Attorney General remarked, “Children are going online at a younger and younger age. This is a very positive development in many ways. It enriches their educations, opens up new opportunities for them, and brings the world into their homes and classrooms. However, there are some negative aspects that accompany this information revolution, and for that reason it is imperative we reach children early on and teach them what to be aware of while on the Internet, and what to know before they log on. The Faux Paw’s book is a great tool in this effort.”
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 Virginia Department of Education is assisting in the distribution. Plans are also underway to provide the book to home schooling organizations.
This book was developed by the Internet safety organization, iKeepSafe, a member of the Attorney General’s Youth Internet Safety Task Force. It was first introduced in Pennsylvania; Virginia is the second state to utilize the book.
In 2006, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation requiring that Internet safety curricula be implemented in every public school across the Commonwealth. The Faux Paw’s book is a supplement to these required curricula. In partnering with Attorney General McDonnell, the Department of Education has endorsed these books as appropriate Internet safety material and every elementary school can use it as one tool to fulfill their requirements.
Distribution of Faux Paw’s is part of the Attorney General’s “Project SafetyNet VA” public awareness campaign about Internet safety. Resulting from 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.
The Attorney General has dedicated the month of September to raising public awareness about Internet safety. Yesterday the Attorney General unveiled a statewide Youth Internet Safety Contest for Virginia students in grades 6-12. Also, 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. Today, staff made four “SafetyNet” presentations in Danville-area schools in conjunction with the Attorney General’s visit.
The Attorney General will read “Faux Paw’s” in other schools throughout Virginia over the upcoming weeks. These visits will also be accompanied by “SafetyNet” presentations by Office of the Attorney General staff. A list of upcoming events is below. Additional events may be added, and changes in some locations may occur as the month unfolds. Updates will be sent upon word of any additions/changes.
Attorney General Bob McDonnell’s
“Project SafetyNet VA” September Tour
*Additional Locations to Be Added as the Month Continues*
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
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
To learn more about Internet Safety and the work done by the Office of Attorney General Bob McDonnell please visit:
http://www.vaag.com/KEY_ISSUES/FAMILY_INTERNET/index.html
