Internet Safety

The Internet is a mixed blessing for hundreds of millions of users. It provides instant access to unlimited information, communication and entertainment, but also may connect children and adults to offensive, misleading, illegal information, as well as predators and privacy bandits.

• 96 percent of students 9-to-17-year-olds with Internet access have used social networking technologies. (Grunwold Associates)
• 64 percent of teens post photos or videos of themselves online, and 58 percent post information about where they live. (Teen Research Unlimited)
• 69 percent of teens regularly receive messages from people they don’t know. Most do not tell an adult, and 31 percent say they usually reply and chat. (Teen Research Unlimited)

Prevention and Education

Our business is centered on technology, so we believe it is our responsibility to be proactive and help people understand how to use the technology of the Internet safely.

Verizon Foundation invests in programs and organizations that:

• Help law enforcement officers investigate Internet-related crimes against children.
• Educate parents and caregivers about measures they can take to help children use the Internet safely.
• Teach teens and young children how to protect themselves and avoid putting themselves in danger or breaking the law.
• Warn adults about the pitfalls and dangers online.

Thinkfinity, the Verizon Foundation’s signature education site has compiled a list of resources and helpful links created and reviewed by their content partners on Internet safety to assist teachers and parents to help keep our children safe.