National PTA Lauds Congress for Online Safety Legislation |
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October 1, 2008 – National PTA applauds Congress’s passage of critically needed legislation that promotes safe online activity for children. In their unwavering dedication to our nation’s children, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye and Vice Chairman Ted Stevens ensured that provisions were included in the Broadband Data Improvement Act (S.1492) that will aid in efforts to increase public awareness and education on Internet safety, protecting children from cybercrimes, and helping parents shield their children from material that is inappropriate for minors. As the nation’s largest volunteer child advocacy organization, representing millions of parents, teachers, students, and other child advocates, PTA believes that teaching our students about staying safe online offers the best protection to them. In the ever-changing world of technology and youth online safety, the best way for Congress to protect children online is to support collaborative, comprehensive and diversified approaches to online safety education. That is why PTA worked closely with Sen. Stevens towards introduction of the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act (S.1965), the text of which is included verbatim in the Broadband Data Improvement Act. PTA also commends Rep. Melissa Bean who introduced similar legislation in the House, the Safeguarding America's Families by Enhancing and Reorganizing New and Efficient Technologies Act (H.R.3461). Rep. Bean’s leadership ensured adoption of this legislation by the House in November 2007, paving the way towards this week’s victory. PTA looks forward to continuing to work with Congress on legislation that benefits children and families across the country, as well as keeps them safe. Technology and Internet access specifically have proven to be of substantial benefit to k-12 students. Online services, resources and tools assist students to achieve academically and provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the workforce. As Congress has recognized the importance of technology and Internet access, particularly towards education, it is imperative that they continue to support education about technology as well as the use of technology in education. Technology is critical in our schools to both meet the goals of raising student achievement and ensuring high quality teaching and ensuring that students are prepared to compete in the 21st Century. |
