IT Event Management (IT-EM), specialist in IT solutions for events, joined forces with Microsoft South Africa and Childline to develop and host the clicksafe Web site during the recent National Security Week.
The clicksafe project and Web site is an initiative intended to help kids and parents be more informed about their use of the Internet and other technologies and raise much needed awareness around the misuse of technology to harm and exploit children.
As a specialist in the development and hosting of the Web site, as well as an expert in providing onsite setup of PCs, IT-EM decided to lend more than a hand by becoming a joint sponsor to the week-long awareness campaign. The company deployed its skills into the clicksafe Web site (www.clicksafe.co.za) which has to date had over 150 000 hits. And it facilitated on site PCs at the Clicksafe Fun Day where over 475 kids were able to enter an online competition to win PC and a Bill Gates autographed keyboard.
"If we want our kids using technology and the Internet and to benefit from technology as a resource and educational tool without the fear of the kinds of dangers the news reports on, then finding ways to help kids, parents and teachers get more savvy about what they are doing online and with technology is really important," says Stephan Potgieter, managing director of IT-EM. "Using the Web, Web-based competitions and interaction as a tool not only helped raise awareness but also helps turn the tables on those who misuse technology to sexually exploit children," adds Potgieter.
Microsoft`s Technology Security Manager, Colin Erasmus, says the focus on driving kids and parents to the Web site was successful and effective. "The Web-based activities were really well received by kids because they relate so well to the world of technology. For parents it also proved popular and we have seen a number of other Web sites linking to the content on www.clicksafe.co.za. This is great for the general awareness we try to achieve."
"Learning and staying informed about current Internet issues will help parents improve and then maintain their children`s safety. While there is no foolproof way to protect your kids online, there are precautions that families can take in the world of technology to reduce the chances of children encountering dangerous or unsuitable material," adds Erasmus.
For more information, visit www.clicksafe.co.za. The site is a permanent educational site and updated by Microsoft and it partners all year round.
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