Microsoft South Africa will conduct its second annual National Security Week later this month (26 June to 1 July) to raise much needed awareness around the misuse of technology to harm and exploit children and to help parents be more informed about their children`s use of Internet and other technologies.
"National Security Week is all about helping as many kids, parents and teachers as possible be more informed about using the Internet and technology. We want to see kids using technology and the Internet, to benefit from the valuable resources and rich educational encounters available, but without the fear of the kinds of dangers the news reports on," says Colin Erasmus, Technology Security Manager at Microsoft South Africa.
The initiative, which is part of Microsoft`s commitment to help make the Internet safer for children, will focus on providing education and information for parents, educators and children on how to stay safe online by knowing their rights and what activities may put them at risk while using the Internet and other technologies.
To encourage schools and their students to be more informed about using the Internet and other technology, Microsoft will host an online educational quiz on the cliksafe educational Web site (www.clicksafe.co.za) from 19 June. All national schools will have the opportunity to win a PC for their school and one of their pupils if they take up the challenge to be more informed and encourage as many students as possible to answers the online questions on www.clicksafe.co.za.
Younger kids not yet involved in the world of technology are also encouraged to learn the three golden rules of technology safety via a national colouring-in competition. This will feature in the Star Newspaper on Wednesday, 21 June, where a home PC is up for grabs as the prize.
During National Security Week, Microsoft will host technology security chat sessions for kids and parents who would like to learn more on the topic from experts in the field. The chat panel will include representatives from Childline, SAPS, Film and Publications Board and Microsoft South Africa.
In addition, Microsoft will host the "clicksafe" family day at Johannesburg Zoo on Saturday, 1 July, which will be open to the public. The day will offer young visitors a day of fun while learning, via an obstacle and mental challenge course, where kids stand a chance to win a PC and a Bill Gates autographed keyboard. Educational sessions for parents will be held during the day to provide information on what risks children can be exposed to and how these can be prevented using technology and good Internet usage practices.
"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. "We aim to equip as many parents and kids as possible with this information to actively protect themselves."
In addition, using the Internet as a tool in the effort to fight computer-related crimes against children means the National Security Week will not only raise awareness but turn the tables on those who misuse technology to sexually exploit children.
Microsoft provides educational tools on the subject at www.microsoft.com/security/athome and www.clicksafe.co.za.
The three golden rules of technology safety
1. Teach your kids to trust their instincts. If they feel nervous about anything online, they should tell you about it.
2. Insist that your kids never give out your address, phone number, or other personal information, including where they go to school or where they like to play.
3. Show your kids how to respect others online. Make sure they know that rules for good behaviour don`t change just because they`re on a computer.
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