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E-Rate Legislation Requires Online Safety Education
Federal legislation recently signed into law now requires schools receiving E-Rate discounts on telecommunication services and Internet access to provide online safety education for their students. Internet safety policies will be required that focus on online behavior including cyber bullying, responses to potential Internet predators, and interactions on social networking Web sites.
E-Rate is the commonly used name for the Schools and Libraries Program operated under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission. The program provides discounts to assist most U.S. schools and libraries in obtaining affordable telecommunications and Internet access. Applicants must provide resources including equipment, software, professional development and other elements necessary to utilize the connectivity funded by the program.
Web Wise Kids programs can assist schools in effectively meeting this new requirement by providing unique and innovative tools to help youth stay safe while using the Internet. WWK's richly interactive Internet safety programs have been implemented across the country in conjunction with school districts, educational organizations, law enforcement, educators, parents, community-based youth organizations, and technology companies.
Educators nationwide have expressed appreciation for how well WWK games tie in to state standards, how they incorporate peer-to-peer learning, and how easily they can be integrated into existing curricula. These game-based programs are distributed primarily through training sessions for local school personnel facilitated by WWK trainers.
WWK is in the process of reaching out to state superintendents of education to inform them about this new requirement and familiarize them with WWK programs.
For more information, please call Dr. Lyn Allen at 248-822-3088 or email her at lyna@webwisekids.org.
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