MySpace and the Illinois Library Association to Promote Online Safety

LOS ANGELES - MySpace has joined with the Illinois Library Association to distribute free bookmarks containing tips on Internet safety. The bookmarks are printed as a series, each aimed at a specific audience including kids, teens, and parents. By distributing these bookmarks for free, MySpace and the Illinois Library Association hope to help educate youth and parents to make safe and informed decisions online.

“Through this partnership, our goal is to educate both parents and teens and empower them to talk to one another about online safety" said Hemanshu Nigam, chief security officer for MySpace. “Education is the key to online safety and these bookmarks are an effective tool to teach smart online practices that teens and parents can use anywhere on the Net, not just MySpace.”

The partnership between MySpace and the Illinois Library Association reinforces a commitment to keeping youth safe online while using social networking sites. The Internet Safety Bookmarks act as a powerful tool to disseminate these messages and resources, free of charge, to a large and applicable audience. The bookmarks also provide parents with tips on social networking and communicating with their children about their online activity.

“One of the primary concerns of the Illinois library community is the safety of children. These bookmarks are just one example of how the Illinois library community is partnering with MySpace, parents, and police to help children learn how to use the Internet, and to become savvy users of information,” said Robert P. Doyle, Executive Director of the Illinois Library Association. “We know there are legitimate concerns about the Internet. We know, however, that the best way to protect children is to teach them to guard their privacy and make wise choices. Education will promote safe use of the Internet, not laws blocking access.”

The Internet Safety bookmarks contain information on the safety topics below, as well links to additional online resources.

Dealing with Cyberbullies: Tips for Kids
Safe Blogging: Tips for Teens
Social Networking: Tips for Parents