Students at Park View Intermediate are learning to surf safely on the Internet in the school’s Cooperative for After-School Enrichment (CASE) program.

The “Keep Kids Safe” Internet safety project is targeting middle school students enrolled in after-school programs. Students attend a teen summit where they discuss Internet safety issues. Through a compelling, interactive software program called “Missing” by Web Wise Kids, teens learn about Internet safety.

The program is being initiated by CASE and U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson and $240,000 in federal appropriations funding. Lampson recently visited Park View Intermediate to speak to students and promote the Internet safety initiative.

“While computers are wonderful tools to explore the world and learn, there may also be dangers associated with Internet usage,” Park View Principal Rob Hasson said. “This has become an increasingly pressing issue, and I appreciate the efforts of CASE and Congressman Lampson and their commitment to student safety.”

During Lampson’s visit to Park View, students demonstrated how the Web Wise Kids program teaches them how to avoid Internet dangers.

“We hope that these students will use that knowledge as a source of empowerment to help create Internet safety training materials for younger children to use in their school districts and communities,” said CASE Director Shannon Bishop.

Lampson said parents and teachers form the front line when it comes to keeping children safe, but keeping children safe is a shared responsibility. “The Web Wise Kids Program provides parents, teachers and children with information to combat child exploitation and will help make the Internet a safer place,” he added.

The efforts at Park View are just one of many Internet safety initiatives taking place districtwide. Pasadena ISD offers parent Internet safety training as part of its usual safety sessions offered through the Pasadena ISD Police Department and Safe and Drug Free Schools.

In May 2007, the Educational Technology Network, a group of school district instructional technology professionals, held its first-ever Internet Safety Week and provided age-appropriate curriculum throughout the week to teach students what they need to look for and how they can become better and safer Internet users. The topics included cyber bullying, e-mail, social networking, and personal information. The topics were taught with a positive tone that encouraged computer and Internet usage while taking proper precautionary measures. Plans are in the works for this year’s Internet Safety Week this May.