Akron – As part of his recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today addressed a bullying summit and crime victims' luncheon in Akron. At the events, DeWine discussed his mission to protect Ohio families – especially children, through his office's increased efforts to tackle cyber safety issues.
"More and more kids are becoming victims of bullying in cyberspace and through cell phones and other digital devices, and too often, cyber bulling can lead to tragic consequences," said Attorney General DeWine. "My office has worked with more than 200,000 Ohio kids and adults on good 'digital citizenship' but more must be done to keep kids safe."
DeWine announced a series of activities his office will be undertaking in the next couple of months to address the problem.
First, the Attorney General's Office will be revamping its website and putting a special emphasis on cyber safety and issues affecting children and families. "When I took the oath of office, I swore to protect Ohio families. Looking at new ways of using our website to help educate kids, parents, and educators about cyber safety is part of that commitment," said DeWine.
Second, the Attorney General's Office will employ a "train the trainers" strategy to increase the number of people who can present information about cyber safety and cyber bullying to Ohio kids, parents, law enforcement, and community groups. "We are serious about spreading the word on cyber safety and will begin this effort by incorporating our nine district representatives into our current cyber education program. By the time that school starts again next fall, the Attorney General's Office will have at least a dozen staff who can deliver presentations on cyber safety," added DeWine.
Third, the Attorney General's Office will sponsor the second Ohio Cyber Safety Week from October 2-8, 2011, that will include many activities to promote cyber safety issues. In addition, the Attorney General's Office will make available an online toolkit for use by schools, parents, kids, and community groups during this week.
For more information about cyber safety, visit the Ohio Attorney General's website at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
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Media Contacts:
Lisa Hackley 614-466-3840
Mark Moretti 614-466-3840